"Don't even THINK about it" (she warns)

"Don't even THINK about it" (she warns)

Bare piggy toes once wiggled each time I tickled your foot,
hearty squeals once rippled as I raspberried your bellybutton,
butterfly kissed a cream-puff cheek.

Even now I long to cradle you in the crook of my arm,
rock and sway your body close to my heart,
hold your hand for protection,

but preteens rarely indulge such fantasies.

by Margaret Bednar, June 19, 2014


She is twelve years old - and very independent, and does not allow cuddling.  I guess when you are one of the youngest of six, you tend to be a survivor and a bit "seasoned".  

I've had a number of changes this past few weeks.  Moved my oldest daughter into a college rental house, "celebrated" my 15 year old daughter's entry into high school, "grieved" as my fifth grader was "promoted" to middle school and my youngest finish Kindergarten!  I just realized another daughter will soon be 17!!! (how can that be) and am already mourning my oldest son leaving as this upcoming year he will graduate college  (which is 30 minutes away) and most likely head to New York…

Changes, changes.  Thank goodness my youngest is a Momma's boy and soaks up hugs and kisses.

This poem is a "sevenling" which is a poem that follows a rule of three and I have linked it with "Imaginary Garden of Real Toads - Words Count with Mama Zen"- Rule of three - in 90 words or less.  

"The Old City Wall"

Florence, Italy

"The Old City Wall"

Antiquity is a narrative

we often ignore,

march along its crumbling walls

oblivious of frescoed saints
and poets poised, marbled fingers 

with stories still to tell.

But for those who linger,

let the sun warm their shoulders,

a humbling occurs,

a blessing of wisdom bestowed.

by Margaret Bednar, June 10, 2014

I have been so busy these past two weeks - haven't been able to visit other blogs much - haven't written a single poem.   When I go this long without writing, I fear the creative juices will not come back - convince myself I can't do it.   But like all things, a break is probably a good thing - I just wish I could say I had travelled to Rome and Florence instead of the tasks which were at hand…

My daughter traveled to Italy and I have yet to see all of her photography - and can't wait to see the paintings from her this summer. 

I will be busy for the rest of this week as we have three "promotions" to celebrate - kindergarten, fifth and eighth grade all coming to an end… Summer begins for us next week!