In the fullness of family

it is difficult to close the door

shut out the cry for “mommy”

and sit still.

 

There is no silence really

even when the door is shut.

Even if, somehow, everyone has agreed

to “quiet time”

doors are slammed

refrigerators are opened and closed.

Feet stomp loudly

even on carpeted floors.

Whispers are louder

than normal conversations.

 

The closed door becomes a symbol.

To Mom, it is a declaration of Self.

“Me time.” Recharge.

 

To the family, the closed door says,

“Rejection.”

 

No matter how much explanation.

No matter how many articles or books

are shown and read

about the restorative nature of “me time for moms,”

the family only sees an action no less cruel than

Abandonment.

 

If she manages to close the door for a while,

the family looks at her with questioning eyes

when she emerges to see

“how she’s changed.”

 

They seem concerned that they may

somehow no longer be in the same

order of importance in her life.

“Mom’s just not the same”

 

For Mom,though, that moment behind the door

was salvation.