Many ARTISTS paint or draw
what they do not possess.
Mary Cassatt never had children
and yet she was the first female
painter to absolutely get it right.
Her paintings of mothers and children
embody a closeness that we all miss as our children grow.
I especially love the sucking fingers
and chubby thighs waiting for bathing.
Her faces are real
and full of love.
No drama
and no longing.
A mother fulfilled with the ripeness
of children and peace.
I think most of us remember those days
with our own babies.
We have memories
and can feel them well up sometimes.
The close softest skin.
The crying sedated by touch.
The close connection
that is not explainable at all.
Binding ourselves to a new life
and holding it close.
Feeling overwhelmed
and yet satisfied in that moment.
