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I remember the bathroom
at 42 Spring Crest Boulevard—
the brick parsonage of early childhood.
I remember the worn porcelain
of the basin where Mother washed
my hair—suds bubbling and mirrored
grins as she gave me pretend
hairstyles—mohawks and a Martin
Luther pageboy. I remember
my sixth birthday with its party-hat
parade and a closed shower curtain,
a stepstool for me and my
wee guests to stand on.
And the play fishing rod
whose line we dropped
into behind-the-curtain mystery.
I don't remember what
I caught that day—small
loss compared to today's
surprise meeting with memories
of a mother-charmed childhood
and that tiled room.
© by Nancy K. Jentsch.
Used with the author's permission.
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Nancy K. Jentsch calls herself a second-career poet, having taught German and Spanish at Northern Kentucky University until 2020. She claims to now be walking through life looking for just the right words, enjoying the thrill of the hunt and the mystery of the power of language. Nancy's newest collection, Between the Rows, was released in 2022. Her work has appeared in various online and print journals and in several anthologies. Nancy says one of the best compliments she ever received was a friend's comment about one of her poems: "I don't like poetry, but I like this." Learn more about Nancy, who lives in Camp Springs, Kentucky, at https://jentsch8.wixsite.com/my-site.
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Jancan:
Nostalgia at its best~~very creative and moving
Posted 02/19/2024 10:41 PM
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KevinArnold:
So heartfelt . . . brings me right in.
Posted 02/19/2024 02:09 PM
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Anastasia:
So many wonderful moments! A charmed childhood, indeed!
Posted 02/19/2024 02:00 PM
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suzanne:
"...a mother charmed childhood"
this is so beautifully written. It is what I hope my own children remember. Thank you for this lovely poem.
Posted 02/19/2024 01:35 PM
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Lori Levy:
Beautiful memory.
Posted 02/19/2024 01:10 PM
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Wilda Morris:
Charming!
Posted 02/19/2024 11:13 AM
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Denise:
You're words were perfect and quite beautifully set in imagery along the way. I was there with you every moment on your fun and happy journey back in time. I delighted on your words as it conjured up wonderful childhood play. A pleasing giggle or two even happened as I read. Thanks for sharing.
Posted 02/19/2024 11:11 AM
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NormaB:
The worn porcelain of the basin. Im not only there with you but Im brought back to other homes and places Ive been. Lovely!
Posted 02/19/2024 08:48 AM
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Larry Schug:
Even an old bathroom can be fodder for a great poem. I's few lines are packed with
so many memories. Gotta like the hair styles.
Posted 02/19/2024 07:27 AM
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