God of ice cream cones and sun-kissed cheeks, //
God of sticky fingers and pool-soaked bodies, //
You made summertime, with its warm breezes
and ample sunshine.
On the cusp of 40
she’s letting go /
of the idea that her best days /
are behind her
To mother
Even today, I wonder what I’d say to an expectant mother. How do you describe the toughest, most beautiful job in the world?
Planting season
The saying “Bloom where /
you’re planted” served /
her well for years
How do you pinpoint growth?
How do you see growth when brown leaves cling to the forest floor, when snow returns, when a new season swirls beneath the surface, seemingly hidden from view?
Reasons to wake early
To witness fuschia streak across the sky/ and tangerine clouds outlined in gold
What’s saving my life right now (or, some things that make this winter easier):
This is embarrassing, but in my 39 years, I’ve rarely considered my dependence on water. It’s always been available. After using bottled water to brush teeth, wash hands, cook and more, plus coping with toilets that didn’t flush, I felt painfully aware of those privileges. … “I can’t take this anymore. I’m calling Grandma.”
On love
Love laughs with you, never at you. Love lets you cry as long as you need to. Love never judges; love builds you up with words of encouragement. Love laments with you, cheers for you and speaks well of you, even when you’re not in the room.
This is three
You adore your dad, your dog and your big brother (whom you’re always emulating or annoying — often both!). Other than me, Grandma is your favorite playmate. When you play, you build forts and houses and roads with your imagination. You love Play-Doh and Magna-Tiles and construction vehicles.
I want to remember you like this
Immersed in the world of Dogman,
our dog curled against your chest like a scarf,
your head resting atop the mega Pikachu pillow,
one leg dangling off the tan leather couch,
and laughter bubbling out of your mouth.
Erin Strybis 