Mother and Son at Hockey Practice
I love you best when you are falling
behind the other boys but never
stopping. You are not good
at this thing that you love,
something you sense but pretend not to know.
At six you have learned already
the bluster of talking bigger than you are,
and I conspire with you. The world will tell you
soon enough when you fall short.
I will tell you that you are fast,
will give you a drink from your water bottle
and send you back out to circle the rink
more slowly than the other boys
your blades carving deep grooves,
leaving your careful mark.
9 replies on “Mother and Son at Hockey Practice”
Bookmarking this one for a poetry class I’m teaching later this week.
Loved this! All 3 of mine play hockey and you allowed me to briefly revisit the innocent early years!
This brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful moment in time.
Thank you for your kind comments. I am glad you enjoyed the poem!
This is a well crafted poem. My favorite lines…the bluster of talking….
Jennifer!! This poem is so beautiful. This is exactly how I feel about my oldest son…I can’t tell you how much this stirred up feelings. How are you? Reading this poem reminds me how lucky I was to be in class with you. super hugs!!
You couldn’t be more right on..
I agree completely..
I fully agree completely!!