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Thank you, God, for days like these—
when lifelong memories take root
in simple scenes.
There's Grandmother in the rocking chair,
my sleepy toddler on her knee . . .
a quartet of dads stretched across the porch
trading sports tales and stock market stories . . .
cousins—size small, medium, and large—
bounding through the house
and across the lawn . . .
meanwhile, we women flit
from one room to the next,
bequeathing those things that are vital:
second helpings, sweet tea, attention,
and lots of hugs.
Let my child know many of these moments, Lord.
Let her delight in the joy of spontaneous laughter,
rejoice in the comfort of sorrows shared,
wallow in the knowledge that she is loved
fiercely
just because it's her birthright.
From A New Mother's Prayers (Loyola Press, 2004).
Used here with the author's permission.
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Jayne Jaudon Ferrer is the author of five books of poetry, a nonfiction book about games, and a novel, Hayley and the Hot Flashes. Jayne created www.YourDailyPoem.com in 2009 to share the pleasure and diversity of poetry. A former copywriter, magazine editor, newspaper columnist, and freelance journalist, her work has appeared in hundreds of publications. When not writing or reading, Jayne enjoys music, old movies, gardening, hiking, and good conversation. A native Floridian, she has lived in Greenville, South Carolina, for almost 30 years. Learn more about her at www.jaynejaudonferrer.com.
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Sharon Urdahl:
"Let my child know many of these moments..." Lovely...thank you for the lovely poem of Thanksgiving...
Posted 10/22/2012 11:40 AM
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laurasalas:
I love this, Jayne. My favorite bit is
wallow in the knowledge that she is loved
fiercely
I wish I had had these moments in my own childhood!
Posted 10/22/2012 06:58 AM
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Jo:
Thank you for this beautiful poem. Like Wilda, my children did not have this experience. I made sure my grandchildren did.
Now I hope someday they might have memories like these.
Posted 10/21/2012 09:05 PM
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JanetruthMartin:
Such insight woven through this wonderful poem. Thank-you for sharing.
Posted 10/21/2012 06:19 PM
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Wilda Morris:
A beautiful poem, which brought back a lot of childhood memories. I think our children lost out on something because we lived a long distance from both my parents and my husband's parents. They have fewer of this kind of memory than I do - I grew up in my grandparents' home. Thanks for sharing this!
Posted 10/21/2012 05:36 PM
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marshadisher:
I really like "wallow in the knowledge that she is loved fiercely." Great images. Thanks, Jayne.
Posted 10/21/2012 03:10 PM
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ghctenmile@earthlink.net:
Thanks for sharing your poetry with us, Jayne. The picture of your family dinner is a lovely one and reminds me of my sister's get-togethers--lots of hubbub, good food, plenty of caring. Here's to you all.
Grace
Posted 10/21/2012 12:40 PM
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judithc:
'Let my child know many of these moments, Lord'........yes, beautiful prayer,this poem.
Posted 10/21/2012 11:58 AM
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LindaCrosfield:
"bequeathing those things that are vital"...and to that list, one could add "poetry". Thanks, Jayne. Lovely.
Posted 10/21/2012 11:16 AM
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marenomitchell:
Love "wallow in the knowledge she is loved/fiercely..." Couldn't be more full.
Posted 10/21/2012 11:13 AM
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erinsnana:
I loved this poem. It brought back many memories of Sunday Dinners in my life...
Posted 10/21/2012 10:58 AM
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peninsulapoet:
A beautiful poem. Makes me long for my extended family.
Posted 10/21/2012 10:12 AM
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Susan Shutt:
Jayne, Such simple truths, My Mom passed away this week and how we all remember those Sunday lunches,biscuits and gravy, Thank you for this and all the poems you share4 with us.
Posted 10/21/2012 09:57 AM
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Donna Pflueger:
Jayne, what a beautiful poem. Those memories are as vivid today as they were then. I am warmed by your poem and touched. Since it was the first poem of the day, I will carry it with me - blessing my day. Thank you.
Posted 10/21/2012 09:50 AM
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mimi:
ahhh, lovely, Jayne!
Posted 10/21/2012 09:15 AM
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dotief@comcast.net:
Wonderful poem, Jayne! Makes me want to go back to Grandmother's house for a fried chicken, Sunday dinner. Pass the biscuits, please!
Posted 10/21/2012 08:54 AM
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Eiken:
Jayne, this is beautiful, blessings that we sometimes take for granted and a legacy for our children too. Sunday dinner is thankfully a worldwide gift. A real prayer here, thank you, it has set me up for a good day. Love Maire (Ireland)
Posted 10/21/2012 05:25 AM
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gigi:
What a warm, comforting poem, celebrating the legacy of a family tradition.
Posted 10/21/2012 05:20 AM
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