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You rarely find them in parks anymore,
having been deemed too dangerous,
as the person at the bottom, when they hit ground
with a jolt,
would cause the other on the high end to become suspended
momentarily, from their seat.
But it's the way life goes with its ups and downs:
hope/despair
trust/betrayal
give/take
truth/lies
life/death
joy/suffering
faith/doubt
in/out
and whatever you call the in between—
the rhythm of day-by-day living.
© by Angela Hoffman.
Used with the author's permission.
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Angela Hoffman lives in a small town in Wisconsin. With her retirement from teaching and the pandemic coinciding, she took to writing poetry. Her poetry has been widely published and she is the author of three collections: Resurrection Lily, Olly Olly Oxen Free, and her newest, Hold the Contraries. Angela's hobbies include collaging and making sourdough bread. Learn more about her at https://www.facebook.com/angelahoffmanpoet.
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CamilleBalla:
I hadnt even noticed that teeter totters, as we called them, are no longer in parks even though I have a park across the trail from my yard. This is one of those poems I will remember. Really like it, Angela. And Cork took me way back to Who is Margerie Daw? *LOL*
Posted 01/03/2024 02:49 PM
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Janice Galt:
Who see and who saw? I remember them well. Thank you for a powerful, meaningful metaphor. And to Larry for Now!
Posted 01/03/2024 01:54 PM
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Wilda Morris:
Good metaphor, well-expressed!
Posted 01/03/2024 01:24 PM
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Lori Levy:
Great metaphor for life!
Posted 01/03/2024 01:14 PM
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Anastasia:
I loved the see-saw! And yes, it's an excellent metaphor for the ups and downs of life. Thank you, Angela!
Posted 01/03/2024 12:21 PM
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KevinArnold:
A cerebral poem. Strong.
Posted 01/03/2024 12:14 PM
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michael escoubas:
Quite the original take on life filtered through playground experiences. It is what good poets do!! Thank you, Angela.
Posted 01/03/2024 11:07 AM
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Sharon Waller Knutson:
Love the metaphor of see-saw to describe the ups and downs of life. I remember it was just a board balancing on a rock and being up in the air and then slammed to the ground. Both were scary and exhilarating at the same time like life.
Posted 01/03/2024 10:38 AM
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cork:
A real balancing act. Who is Margerie Daw?
Posted 01/03/2024 09:39 AM
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NormaB:
As Joan said, brought back memories. I hadnt noticed that see-saws are no longer in parks. Your poem reminds me to look for them and when I see one, Ill recall your poem.
Posted 01/03/2024 09:09 AM
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Larry Schug:
Well said. I guess I call the in between (if there is such a thing) is Now.
Posted 01/03/2024 09:00 AM
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Joan Luther:
This brings back wonderful memories. Lovely poem
Posted 01/03/2024 07:45 AM
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