the long walk to school
(meant to calm dreaded return)
backsplashed by moonlight
it lit my trapped way
to judgment i can’t escape
via teenage angst
then came home to lies.
sometimes life is like a cell:
the beginning, the end
yet, there is escape
small moments of truth and love
backsplashed by sunrise
finally a break
monotony busts busy
cross-stitched piece by peace
of course, a bike ride
soaking in late autumn sun
that shines on Denver
laser tag trial
semi-wary girls: boy land
(we fight our way through)
tea, soup, spoon bread, love:
dinner stewing our return
(housewifery week)
end with beginning:
angel bear guarding baby
waiting to come out
another rushed night
such is double income life
no time, bit more cash
menu broken down:
grass-fed beef, onions, cabbage
(and fridge-popped biscuits)
yes, life has become
hydrogenated oil
and jarred minced garlic
because you can’t win
(either work to death or cheat)
without Pillsbury
three-girl agreement
rare these days–two schools straddled
ice skating it is
the runner in me
hides behind her little legs:
cross country trial
not far from losing
i jog along; encourage
(fathers nearby shout)
she finished the race
not the first, yet nearly last;
she finished the race!
breakfast victory
eyes bigger than small stomach
(won my first mom cheer)
her legs are my legs
because losers are winners–
sport trial: winning
no sunset pictures
just sore legs from running fast
alongside my girl
never thought i’d see
any of mine take to sports
proud to trek along
though i might dread this
still hot, legs sore, lack of sleep
the view is unmatched
sunset on this day
can’t capture light nor finish
what the day has dealt
i’ll run till i die
or die trying to run free
from days that chase me
beach day ends summer
(though it’s already over)
school can kick our ass
she’ll paddle toward sun
let weekend sparkles shine through–
make this week worth it
with our lives packed up
these small moments so matter
more than i can say
even with the rain
that raced us back to our car
we dried off. and won.
my thousandth visit
just as pretty as the first
brings peace to my stress
and seeing her run
beating her time on day two
goose wings to the sky
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