Shin Buster

Exhausted, I was mothering from the couch.

I watched her tear through the living room and then faceplant onto the stairs. She had been running so fast she didn't quite get her foot up far enough to clear the first stair. Her hands were clasped together  as she ran, and she didn't unclasp them when she fell.

thump thump thump thump thump thump BUMP !!!BLAM!!!!

She didn't cry, in fact she barely registered the collision. She just tore up the stairs to her room.

It took me a few seconds to put the whole scene together.

...

"VIVIAN! Are you sneaking cherries into your room?"

...

"VIVIAN! Are you hiding? I KNOW YOU HEAR ME!"

...

"Vivian."

She started crying.

Dad went up after her and demanded she give him her cherries. He came down with a handful, "Sheesh. That kid."

I coaxed her back down to sit with me on the couch. I lectured about honesty, the food-ants-mice consequences and the fact that she could have asked... even though I might have said no. She looked at me sadly the whole time.

That's when I noticed one of her fists was still closed tightly.

...

I looked at her eyes... and then down to her fist again.   

She looked at her fist.

She started crying.

***

I had such big plans for my one week off. Getting sick wasn't at the top of the list.

But. it was was on the list.

I knew there had to be consequences for trying to pack so many accomplishments, plans, projects, dreams, fulfillments, and indulgences into so little time. I just hoped I could run a little bit faster... so I wouldn't get caught.

But, the problem with running that fast and having your hands so full is that you don't always make it over that first. big. step.

Approaching the Intersection of Fife and 12th

I dreamed I was riding a unicycle
barely staying up
I swished the wheel side to side, twisting my body

It was hard to balance
and match my husband's pace
walking beside me
Plus
we were going up hill

***

I held my daughter's hand
as we walked to her day care the next morning

She called out to the pumpkins on doorsteps
And I saw a man on a unicycle
Cross our path
Effortlessly gliding downhill

A reading from Southern Living

The first day back after vacation

She tried to kick me when I said it was time for bed.
But, I threatened to call in the Daddy for backup and she sulked upstairs.

The day care said she threw fits all day and didn't take a nap.
And when I finally sat down and listened to her she said,

"I was laying down in the bed and crying at Kim's house.
I couldn't find you.

And Kathy said, What's wrong?
And I said she's not here.

My mommy's not here."

Camp Seymour Lunch Note #1

Remembering Miss Mable

I remember Floyd feeding Tippy hot dog slices. But, I mostly remember Mable, her glasses, her voice, her hair and her house.

I can see the trees and the chicken yard and the carport beside the door.
I remember shelling butterbeans with her and Grandmama until my nails pulled away from the bed. I remember shucking corn with her (fewer injuries but more worms). I remember always being excited when I heard her at the door.

I remember Grandmama taking me to Mable's house after school one day and she had a big pot of chicken and pastry going. She found out I that it didn't know what it was and so she made it just so I could have some. She also made strawberry shortcake for the occasion.

Mable always seemed to have an opinion about anything. She also seemed to say that Campho Phenique was the solution to every ailment.

Mable died while Daphne and I were in Hawaii with Grandmama and Granddaddy. Grandmama stayed in the hotel room most of the day. Grandaddy arranged for Daphne and I to go to dinner alone so he could be with Grandmama. He told me what had happened and said they just needed some time to remember her.

Peanut Butter in the Toaster

Why'd you have to go explore the toaster
What a way to burn the peanut butter
Stay outta there
Stay outta there

Why'd you go to paint your eyelids
With the black and blue bruises
Stay outta there
Stay outta there

I have no answer to your questions
I can't respond to your fit
Why'd I go
You told me not to.
That's all
that's it.

I close this room to you
Forbidden Kitchen
Forbidden
Do you hear
Stay outta there