Losing My Tribe

by Yvonne Maier

a sunny day

birds, bees and a shadow under a tree

we’re meeting for a birthday

a cake, coffee, and a bucket full of strawberries.

I meet my friends. once friends.

now what?

three babies, one toddler,

they are the center of our circle

but I miss my tribe.

every smile, cry, burp and fart

is being seen, and heard and acknowledged.

nobody sees me

nobody sees us

the children are in the light

I am in the shadows.

I am not seen

I don’t see the others

I can’t make the shadows go away

it’s all about them.

my friend looks exhausted.

and lost.

a baby in her arm.

our eyes meet. have we also lost each other?

her baby cries.