somewhere between the data crunch
that swallows all planning time,
the tech issues that chew up a third of every class,
the common planning that gnaws into bitching about work,
emailing counsellors about kids who’ve bitten off more than they can chew,
grading grammar that nibbles away time with my own kids…
there’s a teacher waiting,
the entrée of this piecemeal,
ready to share the most delectable taste
of what this world asks and offers.
family
Turning Ten
weekend of parties
(double digits come just once)
baby’s growing up
First Day of Middle School
gone far too quickly
are my two little chickies
growing up too fast
Find the Fleeting Light
scaling these cliff walls
feels easier than your words
of guilt and judgment
yet, rivers sparkle;
ancients thrived here, not survived
(just like you and me)
too much to take in–
the beauty of history,
of sights still unseen,
of children’s faces
as youth clings as fleetingly
as the setting sun
we are captive here
in these soft moments of light
(help me preserve them)
Lost and Found
you couldn’t steal this:
ancient homes, history learned,
survivors by cliff
or these sweet faces
of my three girls, unafraid
to face your world
no, you can’t take that;
my identity’s in words
found here. not with you.
Day Twenty-Eight, Road Trip 2016
waffles fuel our view
to ride into the sunset
finding our way home
Day Twenty-Seven, Road Trip 2016
road trip starts to end
with wide open river views,
bridges to cross them
Kentucky burns bright
holds together rebel groups
and holds our heart tight
Day Twenty-Six, Road Trip 2016
Kentucky wins me
with giant bookstores; ice cream;
and sweet niece faces
each night a red sun
to lull us to country sleep
on our road trip dream
Day Twenty-Five, Road Trip 2016
cousin love beats all:
it spans a small continent
and breaks the divide
Day Twenty-Three, Road Trip 2016
three-storied row homes,
a riverfront fountain park,
DC’s a winner
Step Write Up 