MAGPIE/ Prompt #64

           

                                      Clarence Holbrook Carter    1904-2000


This week's Magpie Tales caught my eye with this strong and maternal painting, "Smoldering Fires".  For me it highlights the inate protectiveness of motherhood, an apt thought with Mother's Day just around the corner.  May all Mothers be surrounded by love and joy.


WHAT WE DID BEST

You baked, flour sprinkling on the linoleum,
as I stole a sweet bit of dough,
a lucky charm when a raisin was tucked inside,
and I couldn't wait for the cake
and a sip of your coffee.

Your cheeks went rosy, Mom,
without a touch of the makeup you loved,
the Maybelline mascara tucked behind
the Tangee in that messy drawer,
where I learned to pinch a moment of stardom.

And that was what we did best,
going to the movies.
Collecting a free china plate
on Wednesday afternoons
and looking ahead
to the triumph of the complete set
by the end of the year,
when we could finally eat dinner
like Katherine and Cary.

We worshiped at the palace
of Loew's Paradise,
where adulation came easily,
falling in love with Robin Hood,
swaying with Ginger in the arms of Fred.

We went home and I slipped
into your red wedgies,
prancing while you kneaded the dough,
till you promised to take me
to dancing school
where I might find a Fred of my own.


Copyright/All rights reserved/ 2011


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