Rome wasn't built in a day

mom used to say

when we wanted things done right away,

as in yesterday.

Mom walked like

an elegant mule,

slow & steady

going about the chores

of the day.

Maybe when she was younger she twirled around like a spinning top (I don't know I wasn't born yet),

but as long as I knew her

she moved like a calm glacier--

vast & wise in the knowledge of herself.

Sure, she had her doubts about things,

but she didn't rush in,

she thought things through.

Me, I jump in impulsively at times,

but when I calm down, I try to remember,

build it slowly,

time is not runnng away.