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Graduation
I jog my usual route I see the large-lettered purple sign out front: “Congrats, Grads – Class of 2023” I remember 18 years ago when that sign was for me There’s loud music coming from down the road An expensive Jeep convertible Two kids in it laughing The lyrics in their song horrible The Jeep…
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Pick Up from Daycare
I hear the bark “Awoo-wooo” One door slams There’s a jingle The clunk of another door opening Collar tags and keys mingle The whole time he’s knowing “Huuhhh-huuuhh” – he pants As the door gives way here he comes Lips flapping, teeth borne, a goofy smile worn A golden giant, furry, all fours Scuttles across…
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Wedding Albums
There’s something about wedding albums Mine’s already 10 years old Coral flowers, his black tux, my sheer white veil Just like my parents’ from 1981 I’m so glad after all these years they didn’t bail I flip through both A lot of warm faces Gathered round to watch lovers take oath Stained glass, sunlight, bright…
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Hydrangea
It sat there unphased Solemn, almost It grabbed my attention in a different sort of way Clouds and wind, a cool breeze on the coast While walking in late spring it felt like October I stopped to look I inched closer It was like blueberries in vanilla ice cream Surrounded by leaves of green Perfect…
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Milkshakes
My husband told me today our lives are like milkshakes half gone Maybe just the milk at the bottom It’s startling Like leaves coming off the trees in autumn Is winter on the horizon Our lives could be half over Maybe even less, we don’t know I’m not oblivious But to work, to the beach,…
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Beat Yourself
He wanted to beat me It’s why he ran Cordial competition It’s how we began “How long have we been running,” Richard asked 18 minutes, 46 seconds, said the stranger to his left I watched from behind as the two trotted on one leg at a time Nearly two and a half miles in and…
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Anniversary Island
My husband and I just went away for our 10-year wedding anniversary For one night, 87 miles away We took our time, we were in no hurry Were happy for the chance to get out and play We quickly realized we’ve honed in some routines over the years Idiosyncrasies of the Parkers Two became one…
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The Lifeguard Stand
Wood, tall, painted white Steps in the front, shelter overhead I stood at its base in the parking lot It was out of place in that spot Should have been on the beach instead But it caught my eye and I stopped to look A week before Memorial Day The large sign on the back…
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Cantankerous
She was bent up, pent up Like sardines in a can Sailed into the office like a whale in the sea Irate, ornery, there to meet with me Her hair was bright blonde She wore a red hat It reminded me of the sun Everything in her path became undone Cruella Deville, the Grinch, a…
writings on life
gremlin fodder 