“I come from latkes and empanadas,”
she said, waving her assignment high for me to see.
She wears her crown of in-between so well,
no doubting or worrying where she belongs.
I smile. It won’t be too long before
some teen woe sets us at odds.
But, she still wants to show me
how she can be like me.
I want to learn to be like her.
I’ll put down the chore list
and listen to where her words took her,
because motherhood isn’t measured out
in laundry baskets or coffee spoons.
It’s more like preserved rose beads
made of memories strung together.
Song Choice: Watching You - Rodney Atkins
This poem was in response to the prompt given over at a Dash of Sunny, Prompt Nights: Stop and Smell the Roses and is part of the Tuesday Platform at Imaginary Gardens for Real Toads
I truly love that reference to TS Eliot. And that beginning.... a search for an identity when the only one is you. I can so much relate to that, and so much part of being a teenager... Wonderful poem Rommy.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed it
DeleteThis was so loving! And, understanding how precariously a crown of in between can sit upon a young head is a gift! This was really special!
ReplyDeleteThat crown is notoriously slippery!
DeleteLatkes y empanadas? That's my kind of girl! Wonderful and wise poem here.
ReplyDeleteWhat's not to like about good food? :D Glad you enjoyed it
Deletebecause motherhood isn’t measured out
ReplyDeletein laundry baskets or coffee spoons.
It’s more like preserved rose beads
Whistles!!! This is absolutely gorgeous writing Rommy :D The reference to T.S Elliot was splendid. I believe you set the bar higher than usual :D Beautifully executed. Thank you so much for participating at Prompt Nights and for your constant love and support :D :D
Lots of love,
Sanaa
I was happy when I came up with the reference and contrast between coffee spoons/ laundry baskets (typically mass made things) and the nubby but fragrant beads made from pressed roses.
DeleteOh I so love this. Really tugged the heartstrings of this old mum XXX
ReplyDeleteYay! Glad you liked it :)
DeleteOh this is lovely, especially the rose beads strung together. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI have instructions on how to make those in some book or another. I've always thought rose beads were lovely.
DeleteBut, she still wants to show me
ReplyDeletehow she can be like me.
I want to learn to be like her.
That's as powerful a description of the mother-daughter relationship as I've ever read.
So glad you enjoyed it :)
DeleteYes, indeed! Enjoy those years before teenage-hood kicks in!
ReplyDeleteI shall indeed!
DeleteThat last stanza- outstanding-here's hoping mom's will take it to heart.
ReplyDeleteI hope so too!
Delete<3
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by! <3
DeleteHow true this is Rommy. Mothers capture those sweet moments of their children developing in their hearts as much as from photos, videos or notes in diaries.
ReplyDeleteThose moments go by in a blink don't they?
DeleteReally loved this!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you did <3
DeleteFull of love and patience that only a mother can have Rommy. Luscious lines!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteI want to grab you and Rosie and just hug and hug and hug until we all squeal with delight. I adore poetry brewed from life and love and truth, there is such wisdom in it... and we can feel so very deeply.
ReplyDeleteLOL, she wants to meet you and the Little Princess someday
DeleteLet the dust bunnies grow, the dishes fill the sink, laundry baskets spill. Time spent with your child is priceless. Thank you for stating it so beautifully.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed it :)
Delete