23 Months
In a previous incarnation
I aptly alchemized ether into matter
Reminder: buy new snack cup
Reminder: get lunch box by Monday
I knew the you of how are you
And easily summarized her state
Reminder: ask Jess which potty training book
Reminder: finalize insurance claim?
But now between my sovereign center and my tongue
I stall
Reminder: did Scott send BBQ invite?
Reminder: reschedule mammogram
Not so much searching for words
But waiting in a vacant stupor
Reminder: vacuum
Reminder: take fish out of freezer
To see if they appear
Reminder: renew library books
Reminder: order bday food
12 replies on “23 Months”
This poem reminds of an earlier time in my life…and stresses me out. It captures the the ordered chaos inside a mother’s mind with a bravado, and yet it speaks from a vantage point that is somehow reassuring and even hopeful. It’s doing a lot. I love it.
Love the photo too!
Thank you for the kind words, MG. It means a lot to hear that many layers revealed themselves to you and that the imagery worked the way I hoped!
Thank you for the kind words, MG. It means a lot to hear that many layers revealed themselves to you and that the imagery worked the way I hoped!
Congratulations on having your poem published by mama!
Pop pop
Wow. Y
Bubbie Judyou evoked frantic emotions that I forgot from long, long ago and am now feeling again.
A balm to hear that the experience is intergenerational and that at some point the franticness will feel “long ago.”
I ‘snuck’ away from writing my own to do/reminder list to read your beautiful piece…. Yes, yes, yes. So much of this.
I’m so glad you are writing again. Congrats on publication!
Love from Idaho!
Perhaps all to-do lists are poetry. A moment of time captured. Hopes, dreams, plans…it’s all there, isn’t it?
Really Fun Ellen. Maybe not for you so much but it is for me.
Thanks for reading. How quickly it goes from overwhelming to fun back to overwhelming is astounding.
Brilliant piece Ellen! Congrats. Warm, funny, poignant and insightful. Looking forward to more of your poetry! Miss ya xo
Thank you for your reflection. Love that you found so many layers in these words.