Winner of the Toni Morrison Day Creative Writing Contest 2025
The soft aroma of baby powder and lavender
Outweighed the moldy scent
Creeping from the basement.
A sweet, childish laugh
Bounced off empty walls,
Blending into the breeze
Of low-hanging ceiling fans.
A brief smile contorted into an outburst,
The house rattled in dismay,
And I, shaken to my core.
She welcomed in a ray of light
To fix the dimming bulbs.
Hope flickered through two dark orbs,
Searching for her.
I knew I couldn’t keep the little one away from her mother.
Destiny took shape in this
Dull household,
Fate brought warmth to the
Chilly atmosphere.
The younger image of me
Extended her heart
Towards the child
Nestled in my arms.
A soothing grin glistened
On brown lips,
Gentle caresses onto
Chubby cheeks,
Blissful squeals of
Motherly adoration.
My daughter and grandchild
Enveloped me in their love.
A quick gaze of reassurance.
“I’m home, mom.”