- 5 unexpected ways to help a new mom :: The Happiest Mom
- Target: Take the high road and save Thanksgiving :: Change
- In case of emergency :: Joy the Baker
- Dads and daughters :: The Lettered Cottage
- The moistmaker :: The Simple Mom Podcast (it’s the latest episode with Emily!)
Here is our monthly poem from Sarah Dunning Park, whose first book, What It Is Is Beautiful, is now available for pre-order from Amazon. You can also get a free high-res download of the above art if you head to her site!
I love them all,
that fall is my favorite season,
for the brazen way the trees
decide to ditch the party line —
then flaunt their divergent views
with more colors than are nameable.
Now, when independence and rebellion
spring up in the ways of my children,
I label them chronic conditions
that are terminal and incurable —
rather than natural elements
of a changeable season.
isn’t given to remaining static:
a slim tomato seedling, the new leaves
of a tulip poplar, the unrelenting cold of winter,
even my headstrong daughters —
they’re all driven to change.
Like early this morning:
we were late again, when one of the girls
flopped down on the floor, and proclaimed
that she could put shoes on her feet
without any assistance from me.
My impatience flared—
like it does each year in August,
when — even after the sun has set —
the heat fails to lift, and I’m certain
that summer will plague us forever.
But then she hopped up, feet fully shod
and face lit with delight —
she had done it herself.
Her stubborn persistence produced
its own change of seasons: trading
feeble dependence for dazzling power.
So she flew out the door, crowing her victory,
to revel and trample in the dry drifts of leaves.
© Sarah Dunning Park, 2012. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
About Tsh and Sarah
Love it! As always, LOVE IT!
kiki´s latest post: Sunday: In Bullet Points
Thanks, Kiki!!
Another lovely, thoughtful poem, Sarah. Many many congratulations on your book!
Robin from Frugal Family Times´s latest post: Christmas Shopping: Planning to Save Time & Money
Thank you, Robin—I’m pretty excited about it!!
I love this poem. What an inventive way of comparing the beautiful changing of seasons to the sometimes trying changing of behaviors. The imagery is so rich. I can picture the leaves, your impatience, and your little girl’s smile. Beautiful!
Ms. HalfEmpty´s latest post: The Early Bird Who Didn’t Get the Worm
Thank you, Ms. HalfEmpty!
So beautiful! True talent. A gift from the Lord…
Tehila´s latest post: I need courage!
Thanks, Tehila! I’m so glad you enjoyed the poem.
I label them chronic conditions
that are terminal and incurable —
rather than natural elements
of a changeable season.