Posted on by kimhaynesjohnson

Family Pictures: Wagon “Wreckage”

Mallory on her first wagon ride, January 1988

What the Wagon Taught Me

I was practicing being that mama

the one who didn’t panic ~

who let the kid cry first when things happen

to be sure it was even

something to cry about

instead of rushing in to comfort

and soothe

whatever may not be broken or bruised

like on her first birthday

after the party

with her new bears in her new wagon

taking the first wagon ride

she was back-end-loaded

so when I pulled

the wagon up-ended

left her flat on her back

staring at the sky

enjoying the view

like this was how a wagon ride

was supposed to go

so instead of reacting in panic

I snapped pictures

and laughed

and still today

I think of that wagon

when things don’t go

as I’d planned

20 Replies to “Family Pictures: Wagon “Wreckage””

  1. I love your poise and reserve to not over react, which is why I’m sure she did not begin crying. I also love how she’s just lying there staring up at the sky, as if it’s an entirely new view for her. 🙂

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  2. First I laughed! Then I see how much is here. The parent trying to do the right thing always, yet dumps the baby. The baby’s equanimity- maybe this is supposed to be what happens? And the final reality that you were right to not overreact, it’s all fine. All worthy lessons to remember forward!

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  3. Kim,

    I laughed, too, when I saw that photo. It’s a perfect metaphor for how to handle moments things so sideways. You are so good at writing narrative poems, and this one is a charmer that reminds me of Gary Soto’s “Oranges.”

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  4. Priceless – Mallory doesn’t seem at all upset that she’s tipped over, so the best response it to laugh. I’m sure that attitude has carried you far, Kim. It’s a great positive mindset to have – I have to keep reminding myself of that! I now will picture Mallory in her wagon! Thanks for the insights – as always.

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  5. This is a wonderful life analogy that has me thinking about all those times we rush in when we should wait. Mallory was still enjoying the adventure. Your message in that wonderful image is an important one for us all!

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  6. Bless her! “staring at the sky/enjoying the view/like this was how a wagon ride/was supposed to go”

    These lines and the photo are priceless!

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  7. All’s well… If you don’t know something didn’t go the way it was planned was what happened still a mistake? You gave Mallory a chance to see look and see something she may have missed if just ridding along in a wagon. Love the picture. She doesn’t seem the least bit concerned.

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