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We know who we are.
Ours is like one of those
ancient, fraternal orders
whose identifying rituals include
elaborate hand signals and
mysterious primal grunts.
In public,
the cue is often a series
of short, repetitive barks:
“Sit down!”
"Give me that!”
“Come here!”
"NOW!”
People who aren’t in the club
look disdainful, annoyed,
disgusted, or smug.
But fellow members grin—
slowly at first, as they
identify and empathize—
then broadly, as they
catch your eye and
nod slightly to acknowledge
well-known phrases and
familiar responses.
“Boys are somethin’, aren’t they?”
From A Mother of Sons: Poems of Wisdom, Love, and Dreams (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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jayne:
Thanks for all the nice comments. I can see the "Boys Club" has a healthy membership! As for girls--I can only imagine!
Posted 06/08/2014 07:12 PM
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Buckner14:
Yep...I've been there and can testify to the accuracy of details here!
Posted 06/08/2014 01:59 PM
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ldkulp:
Wonderful, Jayne! Having raised two sons, I'm right there with you! : )
Posted 06/08/2014 01:14 PM
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Jo:
Your poem captures it well Jayne. Reminds me of my boys, and rings so true.
Posted 06/08/2014 12:40 PM
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dotief@comcast.net:
Love it, Jayne! Yours is a fantastic family, even with all the chaos boys create. Your sons were mighty lucky to have you!!! I love how your poem captures that loving feeling amid the craziness!
Posted 06/08/2014 12:15 PM
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peninsulapoet:
I am a mother of three boys. I get it.
Posted 06/08/2014 10:19 AM
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erinsnana:
As the mother of two sons, I love this!
Posted 06/08/2014 08:16 AM
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Cindy:
truth told in such a fun way
Posted 06/08/2014 08:15 AM
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mimi:
i was only lucky enough to have one boy...so not quite as wild a ride. now daughters, on the other hand...yikes! (till they grow up--then they're a treasure)as are all children!
Posted 06/08/2014 06:51 AM
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phebe.davidson@gmail.com:
How true, how true! And how well said!!!
Posted 06/08/2014 06:38 AM
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Ross Kightly:
Dare I suggest as a Member of the Parents of Both Association that there is much wisdom here - and that the same sort of thing often going the other way can be said of girls!
Posted 06/08/2014 02:37 AM
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