Yearning

 

Yearning

"From the solemn gloom of the temple

children run out to sit in the dust,

God watches them play and forgets the priest"...

My collection of Marian planters

align perfectly upon dusted shelves -

no nerf gun bullets hidden inside.

Carpet's nap pristine -

no footprints tell tales 

of make-believe.

Toys double stacked in neat rows

tucked away in closet -

no lego man sticks to heel or sole.

Entryway's hooks and basket

add architectural interest - not a respite

for seasonal jackets and misplaced shoes.

Inhale silence, wait for peace

to flower within...

find I yearn for yesteryear.

by Margaret Bednar, June 16, 2021

Back in the day, I had six children who created quite a mess - longed for the day when rooms would look like a magazine spread ... or so I thought.  

This is a writing prompt offered by Toad Hall Editions if you support and join them on Patreon.  You can follow them on Instagram at toadhalleditions.  They are creating a publishing ecosystem that lives and thrives on collaboration, mutual benefit, and equity.  (My poet friends - you should look into this :)  

I will also link this with "Poets & Storytellers United Tuesday Platform" - next week. 

Then & Now

Then & Now

Barricaded, I breathe deeply

as questions continue,

their bodies slide down 

wooden expanse as if shot,

find slit at bottom of door,

implore to be let in;

writhe, feet beat floor

as reprieve is not granted.

Before me, resplendent,

an array of old friends:

perfume, hair clips,

powdery pinks, delicate lace, bows,

strand or two of bobbles and bits

I caress as old friends, perhaps lovers.

I emerge, their arms and limbs draped

over chaise and lounge,

eyes blink with sleep and surprise

as they whisper, "Mother"?

and I answer with a smile, 

tie apron about my front, 

clean fish, roll dough,

hang laundry...

little ones convinced 

forever more this day

an Angel descended.

by Margaret Bednar, May 12, 2021

Times don't really change that much - I think most mothers will understand this poem.  Linked with "Poets & Storytellers United - Weekly Scribblings #69 - The Hunt".  Am I the only mother who has locked the master bathroom door and looked longingly at makeup and such?   It's been a while since I've felt "desperate" (LOL), but I remember when I had 5 children 10 years and under ... !!   Number six came along five years later.  

I ordered an ephemera package of Paris/France goodies - vintage postcards, magazines, book pages, lace - I will use it in journals I am making.  This is one postcard that came in the pack.  Isn't it lovely?  You can find such treasures (Vintage Book Art, Journals, and Paper Ephemra at :  BookAndPaperArts.com and Instagram: book.and.paper.arts.