Notes

My mother writes me short notes and mails them 

even when we live in the same town. 

Ellie, Once I loved you with all my heart. Then you grew up and we went our separate ways. 

Read this interesting article about wrinkles. You have good skin. 
Use Ponds. Love, your mother.

Sometimes she asks, Did you get my note?

I reply, Yes, I did, thank you. 

She waits for me to say more but I never do. 

Now, 15 years since the last note arrived 

in my mailbox, I frame one or two and when 

I pass them on the bookshelf, 

I stand awhile and think of many things 

I might have said.