we have arrived (a poem a day) at reverendmother

we have arrived (a poem a day)

We’re here. Ahhhhhhhh…

Notes from the trip up:

“Let’s just head up I-95″ is a fine plan until you hit NYC at 3:30 p.m.

A walkman for a three-year-old is a GOOD thing, even if the CDs get sticky with chocolate-covered pretzel residue.

M was wonderful except for the last few fussy hours on day 2–which is basically when we were ALL ready to be here.

Billy Jonas’s kids CD “What Kind of Cat Are You?” was the only thing that calmed M down at that point.

Although, R and I did a fantastic (if I say so myself) medley of “Swing Low,” “When the Saints Go Marching In,” “I’m Gonna Sing Sing Sing,” Amazing Grace,” and other favorites. R did the tuba line, and I interspersed the lyrics with driving instructions: “Oh when the saints / turn on 16…”

PPB, I’m SO sorry I didn’t call you back. Didn’t get your call until later, and once we got to the hotel I could barely stand up.

In fact, I went to bed early last night (did I mention I have a cold?) and feel human again at last.

Memorable quote: “I get the feeling that Connecticut is very well funded.” –R, while driving the Merritt ParkwaySo I thought I’d write a poem each day while I’m here. Not necessarily revise it, or even think about it too much, but just capture something of our experience here in Maine with 11 people under one cozy roof.

Eh, maybe I won’t do it every day, but today I did. I used some html code for fun so if you read this on bloglines it’ll be even more messed up than usual.

in my dreams

someone was whispering: mommy. mommy.
only one person in the world names me that…
…mommy…
and she’s across the room, untucked from a wool blanket,
calling to me.
i fumble for a flashlight and
we creep down steep stairs,
whose creaks i do not know,
in the cottage heavy with dreams.

our assignment complete,
we flush,
ascend,
tuck,
kiss

and for a long time afterward
i think i still hear her
under the hum of the fan,
murmuring my name.

Published by reverendmother 4 years, 2 months ago in travel, poetry

4 Responses to “we have arrived (a poem a day)”

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1 apstraight Jul 1st, 2006 at 3:17 pm

the poem. Nice.

Thank you-

A
2 Mamala/MaDear Jul 1st, 2006 at 11:22 pm

I’m relieved…and I miss you all, but will deal with it.
3 spookyrach Jul 2nd, 2006 at 8:28 am

have fun!
4 Matthew Jul 2nd, 2006 at 10:53 am

Can’t wait to hear all about it. Make sure and snap some pictures.

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Asides

» A note to readers who are looking at the new blog: you’ll notice some “greatest hits” from reverendmother there, especially as I ramp up my writing in that space. Sorry for the déjà vu! # 0

» There are no unsacred places; there are only sacred places and desecrated places. -Wendell Berry # 0

» “The very least you can do in your life is to figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope.” -Barbara Kingsolver # 0