I wish that I was braver
And I wish I could give voice
to every injustice
that I witness and have experienced
as a mother
as a woman
as a girl
How our flock is surviving summer
Like our gosling friends, we’ve fallen into a summer rhythm with increased independence. Here are a few things that are helping us survive these long, hot weeks of change and growth.
A blessing for parenting in the summer
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.
Erin Strybis 