Sunday, January 20, 2013

Magpie Tales 152: A Mamma's Boy







mamma's boys 


once I was a cowboy
a rambler, vagabond

impetuous child-laugh
at anything mundane: 

once I was afraid of 
darkness and cold 

hidden things that 
snatch me away. 

the upturn mother's 
grasp, the guide 

of reason, discipline, 
possession 

allowed it all and 
kept it within reach: 

kept the edge in sight 
and safely at a distance.


Poem ©2013 R. Burnett Baker 
B/W photo shared by Tess Kincaid 
Color hands from a photo taken by my brother Ron Baker of our parents Betty and Gene, 2009.

10 comments:

  1. Sounds like a very wise mom, not a suffocating love one that allows for trials and errors, as that last line says. I also really like that you added the pic of your parents hands.

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  2. Some sharp and astute writing...

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  3. Yes we all need that guide and we discover our boundaries!
    Well said
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  4. The hand that rocks the cradle also gives guidance and support. Nicely crafted, and an inspired idea to add the photo of your parents' hands.

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  5. As long as there's a hand to grasp..we will survive..really liked this a lot!

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  6. Wow Rick...this is one of your best...excellent piece of writing...

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  7. Of course ... this one brought tears to my eyes.

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  8. mothers no how to let the artist grow in a safe environ. and how we love them for that

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  9. Loved the whole thing (and the title) as I have two boys of my own. And yes, they are "mama's boys" :)

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