My ex-patriate son comes home to me today
from Scotland by way of India and Boston
bringing with him the girl he intends to marry.
A momentous day a milestone a first for our family.
My hopes are high and wild—
that she loves me and I love her perfectly
that they are perfectly happy together
that my son bears no heartache ever after ever
that their life is graced with contentment.
I will hang a welcome banner
turn on the party lights
fix Peter’s favorite dinner
play Latin music as usual
pull out photos, games, his childish artwork,
crack jokes, tell stories, listen well.
How could she not love me?
I’m sure she loves you already!