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.