Distance

By Miriam Riad

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In the distance, I see
Promises making their way
Toward me.
They’re not running, like I thought
They’d be.
But I can see them, blurry,
Arms raised, ready to greet.
I hear them shout with jubilee,
“We’re on our way—get ready!”
I stand to my feet, hands stretched out
Eagerly.
Is it time? Have they arrived?
And I hear a voice.
It’s right next to me. Not off in the distance
Like I thought it would be.
You’re smiling, of course,
Your hand reaching for mine,
And you say, “I’m here with you now.
Wait with me.”
And I know I’ve already
Been given
What I need.
I don’t have to worry:
These promises will reach me.

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Miriam Riad is a public school teacher, writer and former book editor. Her work has appeared in Ekstasis Magazine, Ruminate Magazine and elsewhere. She is the author of 28 by 29: A Year of Writing, a short collection of essays and poetry.