Wildwoods

We would take long walks

My mother and I

along the country road

near our neatly tucked-in

tiny house 

my tiny hand

neatly tucked in

to hers

"to the secretary" - I would proclaim

when she would ask where we should go

so off we went

to Wildwoods

where I wanted

to wander

with the tiniest of them all

all the little children

'tell me all their names

so I can call to them'

from my tiny bed

with its chenille pink bedspread

so neatly tucked in

My mother would smile

" you always want to see the children"

Only to frown when I would explain

"I do not want them to feel lonely"

the grass between the stones

leaving my shoes damp

for the walk home

Can we come back tomorrow? - I would plead

She would nod, then say something silly

"unless I leave you out here alone with the skunks"

I would laugh and protest 

turning to look back at the 'the secretary'

I would not be alone -

She would cup and kiss my face

ushering us quickly 

back up to our safely tucked life

November Poetry Project

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