Roaring Lessons

My wee one with your dents de lion, you must start in your plump belly. Push out to pull the most air in. More air means a bigger roar. Have some snap in your bite, little dragon. Your teeth are sharp and strong. Show me the paws, young wolf, which will be a bane to those who would harm you. Both Beauty and Terror crouch outside your crib. You are not big enough to leave my arms yet. But while you are here, heed what I have to say so when the crown of flowers is yours, you do not question your strength.

Small of fang and paw,
the things which threaten are large,
but you will grow soon.


Madonna of the Flowers by Shelle Kennedy
Visit her blog, Sunshine Shelle, to see more great art!


This poem inspired by the prompt given by Magaly Guererro's Dark Poetry for the Cruelest Month 2016: Let's Haibun Her a Tale (a haibun based on Shelle's lovely art)

30 comments:

  1. This is powerful and the imagery leaves an imprint.

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  2. I heard the roaring all the way to my bones. I saw the wee one baring her little teeth, growling the promise of her bite... I saw mama--tender and ruthless, terrified and sure--not wanting to let go, but knowing that she'll be ready when the time comes. And the haiku? A crown! ♥

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    1. I'm glad I was able to convey all those feelings clearly. :)

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  3. I hope these words describe how I raised my kids ...fabulous :D XXX

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    1. May all children have such strength as part of their childhood.

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  4. Both Beauty and Terror crouch outside your crib...

    That's a fiery and powerful image!
    Beautifully executed.

    Lots of love,
    Sanaa

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  5. How beautifully maternal, both soft and strong.

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    1. Thanks - I'm glad that balance between soft and strong also came though.

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  6. You can see the pride (no pun intended) growing in this strong Mama's heart. She sees pure potential! This is so wonderful!

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    1. It's a mother's job to see that potential and give it plenty of room to grow. Glad you liked it Sharon. :)

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  7. You convey the guts and strength motherhood sucks on to birth and nurture, Rommy I am utterly floored by how much I loved this, thank you, so pleased you could use 'madonna' as an inspiration x

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    1. Aw! Thank you for such wonderful compliments. <3

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  8. I wish my mom would've told me these things. Moskowitz the Chicken Hearted

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  9. Great poem, btw! (Sorry I got caught up in my self-pity!)

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    1. No worries...and hey it's never too late to start roaring lessons for yourself. :)

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  10. Love this piece, maternal instincts...encouraging, pointing out strengths, preparations for the future. Wonderfully done.

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    1. Thanks! LOL, it probably helped that I had themes like this on my mind following recent conversations with my teenagers. LOL, they are far past the baby stage, but at least they still are willing to have conversations with me and sometimes admit I make a good point. :D

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  11. "You are not big enough to leave my arms yet", a brilliant portrayal of mother's love. Are mothers ever ready to let their off-springs out of the nest? And you answer this question beautifully "when the crown of flowers is yours, you do not question your strength." Love this kind of confidence and trust in someone.

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    1. LOL, nope! My teens are my height and taller but I have to mentally prepare myself for the growing number of excursions they make away from the nest.

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  12. Oh! I just love this!
    "More air means a bigger roar."

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  13. Rommy!! WOW! I think this is one of your best ones yet! Strong, powerful, with the tenderness of the mother and her young! Really amazing!

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  14. Replies
    1. I had a lot of fun playing with flower puns.

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