Mom’s Sweater
I have a dresser full of sweaters
that Mom knit for me. I wear them
for doctor’s appointments, holiday pot lucks
that I need to look better than my everyday
long sleeve T-shirt and vest.
She never knit one for herself.
I have the one she wore all the time,
store bought. It has a Nordic pattern
of browns and grays on the top, cream colored
body, brown cuffs and plastic buttons colored
to look like wood. It fits me but I can’t button it,
still, it is warm and comfortable. She would tuck
a Kleenex into the sleeve.
I draped it on the old rocking chair
for several seasons. Now, for some reason
I wear it rather than the ones she knit.
Green Silk Journal
2025
nominated for Pushcart Prize
