Peek a Boo
5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Peek a boo! I laughed so hard I could barely breathe
Peek a boo, I don’t know why it’s so funny but I can’t help but laugh
Peek a Boo, my mother stands in front of me with her eyes wide open with a smile only an angel could replicate
Surprise Surprise she replied everytime
“Cover your eyes hunnie cover your eyes or I won’t disappear”
She held my hands and laid them over my eyes until darkness replaced the light
I whisper 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 imagining my mother’s sweet smile I yelled Peek a boo!
My mother’s eyes were wide open
But this time she seemed different
Her gentle smile was replaced by a dark, wrinkled frown
Her hands pressed against her chest, grasping for air, she fell backwards with a thump onto the ground
I ask, “Mom…mom?” Silence answers
I cover my eyes and I count down once more
5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Peek a boo! Her smile didn’t return nor did she move at all
Once more, Peek a boo! Silence answers
Peek a boo! Peek a boo! Peek a boo! I said over and over
I’m 19 now and I still play that game
Because it’s the only time I will ever see my mother’s smile again