The Sound of Mattie Leaving Home

Hear the mother swallow her lost daughter.

Hear the wind lowing
    in the burdened leaves of fall.

Hear the father’s pickup truck rumble up the driveway.

Hear the son mowing the lawn.

Hear the silence as they turn off motors,
    discuss soccer practice,
    and scratch the confused black dog.

Hear the dark-red door open as the mother leans out
    to call the men for dinner.

Hear the chairs slide on wood
    and the dog’s nails slinking
    under the table
    circled by four chairs.