Reflection  

by Cruz Villareal

Life’s journey can be hard, 

and aging 

has a way of chipping at  

my stately 

Tower.  

Yet, 

the scent 

of green  

country air 

in the morning, the fragrance 

of flowers on Mother’s Day—  

then, the stern lines 

across my face 

            soften 

and fade away. 

I reflect on the restful sounds of lullabies 

and baby laughter—  

I remember my children 

and my children’s children, 

playground swings and 

fishing trips.  

Even the soft sensation of soapy bubbles 

against weathered hands is a pleasant feeling. 

And the soft feel of puppy fur against my face  

brings comfort to my weary 

age-ed mind and cranky disposition, 

           and life is good 

again.  

Cruz Villarreal is a published local poet with a creative writing degree from Lansing Community College.

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