Traveling with Mom

EARLY MORNING

“Oh, the Casbah is busy today!
Oh, look, they’re unloading the camels.
We’re early. Looks like dates.
Probably from an oasis.”

Yes, they would be Mom.

NOON

“That was a lovely lunch, dear.
Now let’s go to the temple.
Yes, the one where Jesus died.
So very sad, that. Such a good boy.
My, it is beautiful.”

Yes Mom, it is inspiring.

“I’m so glad we came, dear.
It warms the heart.”

I know. But the crowds. The place is so packed.

MID-AFTERNOON

“…I think I want to go home now.”

Ah. You’re awake. Good. Time for tea.

“And crumpets?”

Cucumber sandwiches.
And strawberries and Devon cream if you like.

“Oh, that would be lovely.”

Where are you Mom?

“In London, of course, dear.
Such a lovely city.
It’s my favorite city in all the world.”

EVENING

“My but the market is busy today.”

Is that the Cairo market Mom?

“We must make time to see the Tate.
Such lovely art in the Tate.
Yes, I know, you want to see the miniature portrait gallery.
We’ll have time to do that, too.
It is next door to the Tate, you know.
Oh, look, it’s Nelson’s column.
Great man that. Nelson.”

Come on Mom. Time for tea.
We’re having it good old-fashioned Canadian style.
But I will pour the cream first,
Just as you remember it.

“Thank you dear. And you tell the manager,
I like this place.
I’ll leave a good tip, too.”

That’s not necessary Mom.

“Oh, but I insist.”

Thank you Mom.

NIGHT

Time for bed Mom.

“Oh but I have to finish in the garden, dear.”

The garden is fine, Mom. You weeded it yesterday.

“But the manager, the comm–  commun—”

Take it easy Mom.

“The manager, he said to keep it clean…”

It’s okay Mom. Time for bed.

“I’m going.”

Tomorrow, Mom. It’s tonight now. The sun has set.
Time to rest.

“Are you sure?”

Yes Mom. Here. Look outside. See? It’s dark.

“Well how did it get that way?

I don’t know Mom. It just happens.

“Mmm. Yes. I suppose. Me too.”

Good night Mom.

“Good night dear. Water the camels, there’s a good boy.”

— —

Picture Credit:  Clip Art