A BEAUTIFUL SURPRISE

There was a strange sensation
Like the throbbing of a vein at the surface
Or the dripping of rain from the roof

Neither seemed out of the realm of possibility
But then I began to wonder if it might be an insect
Tangled in the hair on my napping head


I reached up to investigate and felt nothing

After a moment of relief and incredulity
I noticed my mother sitting in a chair at the head of the couch

Was that you? I asked

Sorry, I woke you

Oh, I was already awake

And then--though I was certain of the answer--
for she has had a not-too-frequent history of stroking my hair

What were you doing?


Oh, I was just thanking God that you're here

But I didn't expect that