Friday, November 20, 2015

"If You Step upon a Crack"



If you Step upon a Crack...

Skipping ahead he avoids cracks
as not to break my mother's back -
head bent low upon his task, his concern dear.

My hand yearns for the warmth of his,
to have him safely by my side -
yet I forgo such a tether,

try banishing the "what if" of terror
that may lurk beneath Manhattan streets,
along well-worn Brooklyn walkways.

Paris is an ocean away, but as we idled
in the quagmire of George Washington Bridge,
"what if" kept taunting

and I could see no way of escape -
certainly not down.  I'm afraid of heights anyway,
so we turned up the music and sang.  Loudly.

The inevitable comes; he steps on a crack -
assures me it's just a game.  Yet, in a heartbeat
I'd gladly sacrifice my back,

to never silence children's voices,
never stifle their dreams, their talents.  I wish
it was as easy as that.

by Margaret Bednar, November 20, 2015

You're Invited to Listen:  http://margaretbednar365.blogspot.com/2015/11/if-you-step-upon-crack.html


This is for "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Herotomost's Friday Challenge - Heart's Desire"

Written in response to the Paris terrorist attack...


13 comments:

Sherry Blue Sky said...

This is the prayer of a mother's heart, for sure, Margaret. Wonderful!

Glenn Buttkus said...

You seem to be an earth matron, the mother to all children, suffering & not suffering. Such a touching & truthful piece; it resonates strongly with me. My own mother died young, & the emotional sinkhole that left has never healed. I really enjoyed this piece. Clever to work in the topical references as you outline your heart's desire.

Brendan said...

Fear makes that task so much more difficult, and how to teach one's children not to fear imagined screams? Difficult indeed. But a mother's heart is big enough, and has learned about letting go the young into a feared world. It's like a crucifix, isn't it? Trusting love is greater.

Outlawyer said...

Hey Margaret, I can imagine you and your little guy in New York--he must find it fascinating (which it is)--and you, especially if not used to it--have to keep a close eye! Agh. You describe all those feelings super well and the aftermath of Paris too. k.

Debi Swim said...

I wish
it was as easy as that.... as a mom and grandma, aunt and great-aunt, I too wish it was that easy.

brudberg said...

There is that feeling, the lack of trust, and how can we ever learn when it could be anyone... everyone has been a child sometimes... if we could just find a way to understanding...

Helen said...

A huge lump in my throat this morning Margaret ... as moms, we wish for their safety (in every imaginable way.)

Kerry O'Connor said...

These are such real concerns, Margaret, for mothers the world over. I wish that the world could be free from such fears.

Hannah said...

Oh, this is so emotive...this fear that we silence so as not to stifle dreams...painfully bitter sweet. Beautiful poem, Margaret.

Marian said...

Yes, yes, yes.

kaykuala said...

to never silence children's voices,
never stifle their dreams, their talents.

Never to dictate but to let it bloom at its own choosing. It'll then do wonders beyond one's expectations


Hank

Magaly Guerrero said...

Some sacrifices mean everything... and for everything, I, too, would put my back into it.

Herotomost said...

Wow Margaret, that was so full of the kind of parental anxieties that make things like Paris seem ever so devastating. You really described perfectly the constant fear as a parent while showing the undying commitment to the ones you love, especially your children. Loved the feel of this. Thanks for writing for the prompt, I really appreciate it.