in third grade a spare notebook
inspired me to write a book –
I filled the pages with short tales
one about a winter posy blooming
in snow holds this line: “She dared
not touch it lest it be poison for
flowers in February are very scarce.”
obviously I took my syntax from
fairy tales – my daughter Demi, 5,
desiring something said “I beg you,
I implore you, I WHEEDLE you!”
I burst out laughing, gave in to her
wishes – daughter Ellie, 7, at the door
of springfield’s first presby church
as a playmate scampered after a parent
said to the other parent beside her
“I fear she does not heed your call.”
(that parent later told me) you can see
not only did I absorb words but likewise
my kids – reading is good to do in this time of
distance: what are your choice words, books?
2020 Jacqueline Jackson
This article appears in The essentials.
