Mamie at the Mission

First thing this mornin'—
before I open my eyes—
I smile.

Metal scrapin' on metal

        I swear.
It's mama fryin' eggs and bacon
in that ole thick black pan,
lookin' over Jordan.

Swing low, I say

Then I open my eyes
to the same water-stained ceilin',
strangers all 'round my cot.

I swallow real hard.

Copyright © Jo R. Hawke. All rights reserved.