present

One thing I can say
for mothering
is that it forcefully
presses one into the present.
There is no way to
store up treasure
on earth in the form
of cheeks wiped clean
apples sliced
stacks of grass-stained
jeans dryer-warmed.
They are only for today.
Tomorrow there are
crumbs and pajamas
on the floor
hungry bellies
untold stories.
They can't be stolen
from tomorrow
by any work or
greed or treasure
hunts today,
there is only today.