Beautiful and timeless. Except perhaps for the jarringly contemporary mention of metal detectors. I am so sorry our precious children have the daily risk of gun violence folded into the normal anxiety and excitement of school life.
Diane, I know you love recording birds. I actually listened to a recording of lockers opening and shutting (stumbled on it accidentally). I could have written a poem just about the memories that one sound conjured up.
Yes, I was trying to convey innocence and danger. There was fear starting school I was young— bomb drills, practicing hiding under desks- but guns were not the issue. Thanks for the note!
Beautiful and timeless. Except perhaps for the jarringly contemporary mention of metal detectors. I am so sorry our precious children have the daily risk of gun violence folded into the normal anxiety and excitement of school life.
Exactly! As mentioned, we did have cold war bomb drills, tornado drills, bullying… but not gun threats.
Yes, our diamonds, both precious and fragile. Nice, seeing through your eyes.
Diane, I know you love recording birds. I actually listened to a recording of lockers opening and shutting (stumbled on it accidentally). I could have written a poem just about the memories that one sound conjured up.
Wonderful metaphors!
Metal detectors-now a ubiquitous part of school routines-the purpose for which never to be assumed as ordinary.
Thanks for the note, Heide!
"moving through metal detectors" stopped me for a moment. That is one activity that did not exist when I was young . . . . Lovely poem.
Yes, I was trying to convey innocence and danger. There was fear starting school I was young— bomb drills, practicing hiding under desks- but guns were not the issue. Thanks for the note!
Beautiful, Suzanna, thank you. Your words brought back so many sweet memories of our boys on their first day of school. Dreams taking flight!
Thanks, Kathi. It’s such a milestone.
You see and hear things few do...
As do you! Thank you for commenting, as always!
Brought back to mind pictures of excited little ones as they ad-venture forth into broader experiences in their lived experiences.
Thank you for painting a glorious word picture for me, Suzanna.
So tiny... I remember getting on the bus. Such excitement and terror. Maybe even more terror now.
So wonderful and so spot on.
Thank you, Cynthia. Your comment means a lot!