Category Archives: Family

Not Yet

No doubt I’ll eulogize her after death,but she’s adhering longer than we dreamed.More tired steadily and short of breath,reduced to traits about which we’ve long screamed,instead of growing softer than she seemedwhen in her prime, she’s meanly concentratingthe qualities I … Continue reading

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Sisters and Bend

We looked at quilts and beadwork Saturday.Although our time included other sights,the textile work and woman-craft held sway,and influenced our thinking several nights.It didn’t make me want to sew the wayit may have pushed her to creative heights,but it was … Continue reading

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Unfiltered

My mother never filters her own speechamong her family or closest friends.Whenever I’d correct her and beseechher to speak gentler, she’ll excuse herselfby claiming that such freedoms only reachto those she loves the most. She’ll justifyimpulsive with affection’s guise on … Continue reading

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Kitchen Safety

When I set up my kitchen as a spouseof 23 (the ones before were loosearrangements with my roommates, in a houseor casual apartment – no excuse,but no deliberate acquisition spree),I purchased several powders, I recall,to douse a kitchen fire, should … Continue reading

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Mother Knows Not

So many things my mother said were wrong.I had suspicions early, but I triedobedience at first. It wasn’t longbefore I grew to be dissatisfied.I ran my own experiments – a throngof variance successfully applied.Each step led to another, till my … Continue reading

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The Shiner

I picked her up to comfort her. That’s howI earned my latest injury this year.Her toddler head collided with my brow,and overnight a shiner did appear.It’s like I’m wearing purple shadow now –my outer upper eyelid has a smearof bruise … Continue reading

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Optatives

Oh let me learn from her how not to act,and even as my finger joints get gnarly,let me cultivate the skill of tact,and never let my visage be so snarly.As far back as my memory extendsher choices have repulsed me, … Continue reading

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Kinder Grad

Matriculation is a minor ritewhen marking elevation to first grade.Free choice, a film, and donuts were delight,according to reports. The students played,the teacher sat – all suitably “last-dayed.”And though his folks expected he would grieveat change, it wasn’t sadness he … Continue reading

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Harsh

He says his ego died but that’s a lie.He claims he’s not depressed – we don’t see howthat statement can be other than a try.He’s prompt to self-aggrandize even now,and though the damage showed him how to cry,his posture doesn’t … Continue reading

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Shotless (On Powell Butte)

Of course when I leave home I break routine,and staying with my kids I go alongwith their agenda, witnessing their scene –a loving fly upon the kitchen wall.I try to fill my eyes and heart – I meanto carry home … Continue reading

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