At the window

A view
when life offers us none.

She sits at the window
gazing into the foggy mist
squinting to see
yet seeing nothing.

It was a long hot day
When she is restless for autumn
Longing for the breeze
and the smell of fresh rain.


Her hands tired and worn
From cleaning and washing
Dry and wrinkly
Just like her eyes.

She says a quiet prayer
gazing out
praying for silence and peace
While children rush in
screaming "Mommy, Mommy!"

I gaze at her and wonder
A young girl is trapped in those eyes
those eyes of an old woman

I look to the sky and pray
Pray for her to be free
to find that room with a view
To find a moment of peace

A moment to look out
at the rolling hills of Korea
A moment to breathe in
To take in all the beauty

A moment to surround herself
with comic books
with paints and brushes
with photographs

and take a moment
to look out the window
and remember
yes...remember the essence of life
Left behind.