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
Common Threads 
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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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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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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