My mother arrived just a couple of hours ago; she will be staying with us through the baby’s birth and for a few weeks afterward. She is moving here, a grand new adventure for her in a new city. Eventually she will get a place in the area, but for now she is our welcome guest. What it means, however, is that as of last night, it is no longer R, C, and I in the house. From now on, even after Mamala leaves, there will be someone else under this roof.

when it came to us
over the restaurant din
that this would be the last night,
ever,
for just the three of us,
you tried to explain
while she busied herself with her roll.
‘she doesn’t understand,’ i said,
and was glad.
but as we left,
and the icy wind carried us along,
she reached up and grabbed for my hand,
and I looked,
and she was holding yours too.