Five BSODs (Blue Screens of Death, so, grammatically speaking, perhaps it’s BSsOD) in two days, and my computer was out for the weekend… and then some. So glad to be back.
About comments… I am hopelessly behind in replying! I’ll peruse and visit you all, but if I ever hope to get a chapbook together (and most people don’t read responses anyway, which is fine), I will take a break on the last few poems and start fresh. If anyone has a comment on that policy, please let me know. Hey, take it from me: Don’t hold back; tell me what you REALLY feel!
A peaceful Independence Day to my US friends, and prayers for folks in Colorado who are suffering with wildfires, as well as all who are in the grip of this heat wave. Peace, Amy
SNAPSHOTS OF THEN
Mom’s crimson best, one sister
colors the other’s lips with the delicacy of Monet
Big sis hanging from
the branch of an apple tree
Small moments
The ways of children
A gesture, a look
Laughter caught in
grimaces of belly-aching joy
Little sis tries to puff powder
on the older girl, whose skin
needs no embellishment
but whose soul craves it
These moments
This places, close to heaven
A wink, a giggle, teasing
A kick under the table
An unforeseen hug from behind
They stand still for the Easter snapshot
Shoulders almost touching, like troops
The Christmas tree, stringing red lights
Middle sis rearranging tinsel “until it’s perfect”
Brief moments caught
by the old Ansco camera
Sweet, looking back
Who knew? Who could guess
how far apart they would grow?
© 2012 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
For dverse Open Mic Night – and for Poets United’s Poetry Pantry.
Sharp Little Pencil 
El Guapo
You catch the wistfullnes of the passage of life and time perfectly in that last sentence.
Sherry Blue Sky
Oh so poignant, the joyful memories, then the unexpected reflection at the end. Lovely, Amy.
Roger Green
as the Sweathogs said to Mr. Kotter via John Sebastian, welcome back.
Kiana@NakedSoulPoetry
I don’t think anyone anticipates the growing apart of family. Captured beautifully.
http://nakedsoulpoetry.blogspot.com/2012/06/release-chains.html
kaykuala
Either way is ok by me,Amy! Your convenience foremost! This can well go with Theme Thursday’s ‘Life’s Uncertainties’! Yes, your last line is the all important question. They grow together and play together. But future undertakings are determined by home environment and knowledge. These have direct influence on the outcome, absolutely! Wonderful write, Ma’am!
Happy Independence Day!
Hank
Daydreamertoo
BSOD is a nightmare for any computer user to see. I hope it isn’t too sick to be fixed for you.
Thanks so much for the mail you sent and the google circles invite. I’m not on circles as I find myself getting too involved in too many things and not leaving myself enough free time to write, which (to me) is what matters most. Glad to have you back Amy, and thank you for the mail and such kind comments re a comment I’d made. I don’t follow comment, so wouldn’t have any idea that you had replied and in such a wonderful way too, so, thank you 🙂
brian miller
the last little bit is a heart ping…after the playfulness and sweet moments in the opening to realizing things change and people grow apart, intensionally and otherwise because life happens….good to see you back…smiles.
Dana Leah
this is awesome, and sad. i love the first part, about Monet and “big sis hanging from / the branch of an apple tree”. x
claudia
oh..the last line makes it bittersweet..such lovely childhood memories..but then..yes..you never know where life takes you..
KB
So sad but it’s often the case.
Andrew Kreider
What a beautiful, whimsical tour – and then the abrupt reality of the final line. I know so many family portraits that have ended up with great distance. So well caught!
Richard Cody
My computer just gave me a start with a display driver error… Thanks for the poetry!
Hannah Gosselin
Love the contrast of the closeness and the growing apart feeling in the end…well written and welcome back, Amy!
vivinfrance
Nostalgia, happiness, colour and love – all evident in your list poem. Lovely.
zongrik
it’s interesting how you key in on the small moments in that there don’t seem to be small moments with kids since they keep moving, and keep getting board, yet we take these pictures, and it seems like there are small moments.
Yousei Hime
How can I not love this? I’m staying my sister’s right now, and days are filled with memories and laughter. Love your reminder.
henryclemmons
With family spread all over the world and beyond, I identify well with your words. An excellente write. And I for one, always enjoy a comment from you because I respect your talent so.
ManicDdaily
A very poignant poem – very visual – easy to picture them. I love how even arranging the tinsel is a decorative gesture. k.
Patti
So many lovely images of childhood… Sad that they drifted apart. It makes me wonder how each of them remember those moments.
on thehomefrontandbeyond
ibid El Guapo
Debbie
Loved this Amy and didn’t expect the ending! So glad you survived the BSsOD and are back! 🙂 Love and prayers!
wordsandthoughtspjs
Yes, Amy, this is so beautiful and bittersweet. Nice write.
Pamela
Mary
Yes, sometimes when one looks at old pictures, it is shocking….we thought people would never change, and they do. People who were close grow apart; and perhaps those who were apart grow together with time (one can hope). By the way, I disagree with you that most people do not read comments. I always do; and I appreciate the thoughtful ones greatly when they occur. Yikes, the blue screen of death. Have endured that a few times. Consider subscribing to something like Carbonite online back up. I do. A bit of safety anyway. I was in your fair city for the farm market 1 1/2 weeks ago. Spur of the moment decision, or I would have emailed you. It had been a while since I was there…….
Kristina
I like the images of shared life, but the last line got me. I can relate to that growing apart.
lolasanrose
… “sweet, looking back”….beautifully written. i only hope it is not true of your life.
snakypoet
Poignant!
Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio
It IS hard to keep up, isn’t it?
What a powerful poem-but, I think everything you write is fully committed and passionate.
Sara V
Amy!
So good to have you back! Your comment to Chief Princess Officer totally made my day!! Love to think of you sharing that poem with your daughter 🙂
The moments you captured here are so perfect the kicks under the table, backwards hugs
sharing make up and secret wishes…and you don’t see that distance coming
Renee Espriu
Love this and so true. Some may not read responses but I do. Maybe I’m the odd duck out (tongue in cheek) as I think they all have value. Do miss your visits but your chapbook is important and at least you get them done. I need your focus, my friend. LOL 🙂