Lessons from Roses

“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.


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

30 comments:

  1. 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.

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  2. This 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!

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  3. Latkes y empanadas? That's my kind of girl! Wonderful and wise poem here.

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    1. What's not to like about good food? :D Glad you enjoyed it

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  4. because motherhood isn’t measured out
    in 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

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    1. 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.

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  5. Oh I so love this. Really tugged the heartstrings of this old mum XXX

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  6. Oh this is lovely, especially the rose beads strung together. Beautiful.

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    1. I have instructions on how to make those in some book or another. I've always thought rose beads were lovely.

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  7. But, she still wants to show me
    how 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.

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  8. Yes, indeed! Enjoy those years before teenage-hood kicks in!

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  9. That last stanza- outstanding-here's hoping mom's will take it to heart.

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  10. How 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.

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    1. Those moments go by in a blink don't they?

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  11. Full of love and patience that only a mother can have Rommy. Luscious lines!

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  12. I 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.

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    1. LOL, she wants to meet you and the Little Princess someday

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  13. Let 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.

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