Behold

Behold
The toddler reaching for the spokes
His fingers stroking
Metal ending at the
Hub of the wheel
Tracing circles leading up to
His aunt’s face
Smiling as he climbs
Up
Onto her lap

Behold
The child leaning against the
Side of the wheelchair
His arm casually at his side
Fingering the buttons on his Sunday shirt
At the funeral
Tripping slightly
As his aunt’s chair moves forward

Behold
The teenager
His graduation cap slightly askew,
His blue tie very new
Matching hues
With his aunt’s wheelchair

Behold
As, college-bound, the young man waves
Clutching the plane ticket
Running toward his destination
His aunt smiling
As she touches the metal ending at the
Hub of the wheel
Tracing circles

Copyright 2007 Ruth Harrigan