Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Joseph D Milosch

Imaginary Mother

Norwegian Cruise 07-22-2023


On this cruise ship,

it is easy to embrace

the mournful pity

forged by fever and aches.

Everything seems imaginary,

even the postcard

of an apartment

in 19th century, Norway.


Am I dreaming that

in the card’s room, each wall

has three metal bars,

appearing to be

a ladder leading nowhere.

Between fever and chills,

I cough, and my eyes act

as if they don’t want to

allow this picture postcard

into my memory.


Today, my back aches.

My throat is sore.

Do I have the mumps?

Did I have them?

Anyway,

the morning seems

as dark as the postcard

with the iron rungs,

securing the inner

to the outer wall.


Everything is imaginary, 

even my mother’s face.

It is wrinkled with concern.

She leans over me,

and I feel the tenderness

of her finger tips.

My headache grows 

as reality disappears

like the shadows, while

in the window, the sun

appears to be sinking

into the North Sea.


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