snowy transition
back into reality
of colored lights
countdown to Christmas
begins with old-enough girls
who now string the tree
where did the time go?
(when on the Polar Express
we sipped hot cocoa)
with these bright sparkles
another year of youth gone
like flakes from the sky
even though i work
i’m blessed with housewife duties
on weeks off from school
our yearly bake fest
produced three minis, five pies
hard to beat this day
while rolling out crust
that we shaped so perfectly
they giggled, measured
but we all know best:
it’s not the crust that makes pies–
love’s in the filling
beef stew takes some time
to simmer while we have fun
discovering home
(it sits in sunlight
on a late November day
waiting to be found)
in stage selections
and modern airport hotels
where we say goodbye
it waits for new doors
open to ideas of
a sunlit autumn
in our house, our home
where thanksgiving starts and ends
all that matters: here
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
she turns eleven
drama sits on morn’s doorstep
yet she cries so well
you’re almost convinced
you’ve met an Oscar winner
(perhaps someday… yes)
until then? she’s apes
for her newest birthday gifts
Grandma, Grandpa win
competition? no
just a constant lost battle
to be what she wants
ice cream brownie end
the day that marks her entrance
into my world
couldn’t taste better
than the likes she shares with me
my middle, my love
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
building challenges
hermit crab obstacle course
get ready to win
pancake characters
make Sunday Funday better
Yoda one for me
but blue, best of all:
skies to steal mountain town, hike–
like soft spun taffy
he comes after dark
midst of dinner-laundry rush
(the witching hour)
gone are easy nights
him cooking, cleaning, shopping
short hours, slow work
i sit amidst stacks
of plans, ungraded papers
stacks that won’t die down
the girls do small chores
to minimally help me
cope with “overwhelmed”
and i quit my class
that would’ve taken me now
sucked more from my life
yet i’m still swimming
in a haze of “unfinished”
waiting for relief
he takes over now
broiling steak, washing plates
gives me a moment
i wait for one more
one drive across the country
to make this worth it
Monday off: a gift
wrapped in science fair success
and wagon smiles
and you won’t have this:
spinning autumnal joy swing
her trapped in between
and you’ll never know
what it’s like to live for them
(to live inside joy)
and you just can’t see
how losing this would mean all:
girls, home, husband… life
’cause it’s not a park
with green lawns, blue skies, red leaves:
it’s my livelihood
you’re a pic undone
where the sidewalk ends, my friend:
(leaves fall. i blossom.)
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