Rhythm Unrecognized

So many nights ... I sit by my window ... waiting for someone ... to sing me a song ...

My mom stands by the kitchen sink. Water running. Dishes clanging softly against one another.

So many dreams ... I kept deep inside me ... alone in the dark ... but now you've come along ...

I stand by the stairway. At the other end of the house. In between us the living and dining rooms. She doesn't even know I am there.

And YOU, LIGHT UP MY LIFE.

Her voice carried across the house. I had heard her upstairs. Peaking at just the right moments. Just the right words.
You give me HOPE. To car-ry ON.

And I know that she is thinking of her own mother. Who sang these same words.You light up my DAYS.

Maybe doing this very same thing.
And fill my niiiights. With song.

Years later. The DJ calls her name. I walk over to her. She in a dazzling silver. Me in a fluffy white.

Rollin' at sea, adrift on the water.

I reach out, hold on tightly. Tears fill our eyes.

Could it be finally, I'm turning to home?

My mom looks up, sees her aunt sitting at a nearby table. Gestures for her to join us. She stands, walks over. We join arms, create a tiny circle.

Finally a chance. To say, HEY! I love you.

My mom motions to the top of her dress. Pulls out a small photograph.

Never again. To be all alone.

It's her parents. My grandparents. My great aunt's sister.

And YOU. Light up my life.

We all wipe tears from our cheeks.

You give me HOPE.

Hugs and kisses among us.

To carry ON.

I look up and think of my grandparents.

You light up my DAYS.

I miss them as they miss my special day. Special moments.

And fill my nights.

But I know they are here with me always.

WITH SONNNNG.

Years later I find myself standing at the sink in my own home.

It can't be wrong.

My daughter playing in the living room.

When it feels SO right.

The words come to me so easily.

And you ...

I hear my mother's voice.

You LIGHT. UP. MYyyyyyyy.

I look across the house, watching my own child, dancing around to the sound of my voice.

LIFE.

And the memories live on.

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