Florida
Christine Pakkala
Today a text:
My son, on his way
to practice, rowing
through a cold river.
Today a photo:
My daughter, strolling
through the streets
of open-carry.
How I held them both
as babies, my arms
strengthening to match
their increasing weight.
A mother’s arms
carry her child
through life,
even as they stand
beside her.
My daughter,
my son,
their daughters,
their sons,
your daughter,
your son,
our daughters,
our sons,
the guns, the guns, the guns.