on leaving home

there's a moment, poised on the
cusp of what comes next, a final
chance to catch one's breath between
may, with its flurry of graduation
activities, and what will turn out
to be the first round of goodbyes.
august's coming soon, and there
are preparations to be made.
i remember my own mom shopping for
things i didn't think i'd ever
want or need, the paper towel holder
i didn't think was worth the space
it took up in my tiny kitchenette.