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Open Poetry #28
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lessons from Joe's head (for Nic, with MORE smiles)
| Open Poetry #28 |
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lessons from Joe's head (for Nic, with MORE smiles) |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738
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I found Joe's head buried in a shallow grave in the garden beneath the hibiscus that died in the drought of spring. His hair was still neatly in place His teeth intact still pepsodent white-- the dirt washed away by my tears. In a revery of memory I did not feel the heat of day but sat mesmerized in my journey cradling his head in my hand. Joe was a gift-- a treasured prize to my gift of treasured life. I remember eyes, sparkling with glee-- My boy--in ferocious tear of wrapping from this present and all the wonder of the universe was revealed within his eyes, that day so long ago-- we brought Joe home. Joe resided in a garage-- and didn't mind a bit. He drove a jeep, and barbecued hotdogs unburnt throughout eternity. He was tucked into an orange hammock every night with loving care by my son who could not sleep without knowing he was there. Joe even went to Disney World, and created quite a fuss when he fell from the cart and lay there on the tracks awaiting his decapitation. But angels are employed in magic kingdoms-- and no one even grumbled when they stopped the ride-- returning Joe to his buddy-- and then there was applause and knowing parents smiled while my son wept grateful tears. Joe required treatment-- but it went well, without incident once we found the drill bit that would not shatter his smile to pieces. Three-second surgery and a nail to mimic a spine, and he was good as new-- ever better, for now he could see under things without necessity of bending stiff plastic legs-- he simply took his head off and put it on the floor. I found Joe's head buried in a shallow grave in the garden beneath the hibiscus that died in the drought of spring... "Look who I found!" I announced with glee, opening my palm to my son... "Wow." He smiled, taking Joe from me. I watched my son walk deep in thought then shake his head and then? He tossed Joe's head in the garbage can. I waited until he shut the gate and took off riding down the street on his bicycle to go visit that little girl who didn't give up calling him every night this week. I retrieved that plastic head of Joe's and put him in the box, with my matchbooks, stones, and baby booties, in sadness first then gratitude that I get to see my boy outgrow his childhood needs knowing someday it will be me that he leaves behind... |
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| © Copyright 2003 serenity blaze - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Nicole Senior Member
since 1999-06-23
Posts 1835Florida |
"for now he could see under things without necessity of bending stiff plastic legs-- he simply took his head off and put it on the floor." oh, if I had a nickel for every decapitated toy...I can't stop giggling, and my cheeks hurt from smiling (not to mention cracking up over the last half hour). They'll be grown, and we'll be in homes, playing with our Joes and Pollys - sigh - it's good to be a mom. They never leave in heart, what a proud mama you are - and I *loved* this - I'm going to print it out and put it with the rest of my little treasures.  Hugs you Nic (spelling is HARD!) [This message has been edited by Nicole (08-11-2003 12:35 AM).] |
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Local Rebel Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-21
Posts 5767Southern Abstentia |
if we do it right if we do it right... and you do write right right on!  nite nite |
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Aenimal Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-18
Posts 7350the ass-end of space |
i see k, holding the head "alas poor joe i knew him well" but k he won't forget you and all you've done i'm sure.. |
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Edder Senior Member
since 2003-04-02
Posts 671 |
damn...you are amazing. green with envy here |
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Mysteria 
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Surprise! Sometimes they don't outgrow you, and realize you are the best buddy they have. They do go on to their life, but cross your fingers they find time for you in it. I am blessed. Good work on this one Karen, says it all. |
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BluesSerenade Member Patricius
since 2001-10-23
Posts 10549By the Seaside |
I remember this, and it encompasses so much, it is so you, and in my opinion one of your very best works, serenity! And in the here and now, I am reminded of going to a flea market recently, and the guy had all these baby doll body parts for sale. That's hard to reckon what he thought to gain. I would rather dig em up, and find the meaning, as you did. Thanks for this~ |
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Kaoru
since 2003-06-07
Posts 3892where the wild flowers grow |
He'll remember, and hopefully not throw your head in the garbage can. Really loved this write, to my library it goes! |
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Susan Caldwell Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348Florida |
"knowing someday it will be me that he leaves behind..." eeeek...my younger son turned 18 yesterday.. Loved this Karen! Susan |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
I remember this one... how real you made this G.I. sound... more than a toy, it was... a life. |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
smile, thanks for tolerating the reposts of late. This one was for Nic of course, prompted by a conversation that had us both getting all emotional over "Polly Pockets"--chuckling now. It's a "mom" thang, people. Thanks for reading and hug to Nic. I'm watching a quilting program and thinking of you too.  |
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