Poetry I Relate To

While culling books to prepare for our move, I came across Motherhood: Journey Into Love: An Anthology of Poetry edited by Edwina Peterson Cross. It's a publication of Mothers at Home, a print newsletter that I used to subscribe to.

Here are a couple of poems:

Paradox by Kathryn Ahrens

Drops of water pool around the sink,
telltale signs that you parted your own hair today.
Comb in hand, squinting at the mirror,
trying to look like the young man
that nature says you are becoming.

But on the floor are tiny paper soldiers,
poised astride their horses for imaginary battle,
waiting only foryou to call them out with your bugle cry.

An hour ago, you sprawled face down beside their fort,
a general with troops to command.
Our busyness swirled around you, unheeded.

Now one last look, a final touch,
and out the door.
Your jaunty walk says teenager,
but it's my little boy that wildly waves good-bye.

Nearly Thireen by Gayle Blair Urban

Needing me,
but not sure
how to show it,
losing him
but now sure if
he knows it...
our dance of independence
still plays on.

Open Door by Vicky Vincent

Your childhood is leaving quickly
through the cracks
in your voice.
I gather what I can:
snapshots, hairclippings, artwork.
You sleep sprawled out
on the bed that used to swallow you
I sign a prayer into your dreams,
cover the feet
that will walk out my door
and long,
even now
for their return.

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No, I can't let go of this book yet it speaks to me. This book is a keeper that I'm taking to Texas.