the missing wells up

The missing wells up all at once, like a river spilling beyond its banks,

swollen by much too much rain.

It just seems so cruel. It surprises her at just how much.

From loving them hard with all she's got,

to them suddenly no longer needing her.

So she settled on a dog. A sweet one. A little one that will not grow big.

You're still their mother. Her love insists as his arms catch her just before she slips away.

True.

But not the same.

She nearly called out to them to come marvel at the turtle she spied under the boxwood. 

To share the joy of discovery. 

To share the beauty of God's created world.

Like they used to.

Instead she pointed it out to the empty-nest dog. 

But the dog showed no interest, preferring instead to yap at the mailman.