Thursday, October 7, 2021

Skylands October 7, 2021

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Celery Farm October 5, 2021

Sunday, October 3, 2021

in the midst of an interesting conversation

In the midst of an interesting conversation
Listening to two women I adore exchange thoughts
Taking in the intelligence and empathy between them
Sometimes contributing myself as well

This is my immediate family interacting
On a visit to my youngest daughter post surgery
Whose recovery is proceeding quite well
And I am delighted she is feeling up to it

We are discussing a book written by a teenage boy
About himself as he grows into a sensitive young man
Given so much help and support by his mother
Learning to handle his volatile emotions

I am sitting with them at the very same table
In the very same seat in which I sat as a boy
Aware of the absence of my dear mother lost to cancer
Aware of the rejection from my angry alcoholic father

Recoiling as I experience a flashback insult from him
Remembering coming of age when it was not safe at home
In the midst of the love I am feeling shared in this room today
Joy juxtaposes against a rush of painful memories

For me to choke up trying to express myself
Overcome by a burst of happiness mixed with grief
Such is a familiar dissonance in my adult life
Released in the midst of relief that my daughter is okay

Hanks Pond East October 3, 2021