Well-Meaning

By. Joann Boswell

relieved not to be four-years-old
again learning I am not the center
everything constantly spiraling
hourly coping with roller coaster
emotions, up and down seesaw
end-of-the-world frustrations
best-ever surprises and missed
expectations in between bladder
betrayals, growth spurt tripping,
sister-won’t-sit-by-me tantrum
of sorrow at grocery store Starbucks,
oh! “warm chocolate!” life is grand

relieved not to be middle-aged white man
ever misunderstanding my importance
all situations improve with my expertise,
overhear conversation, pull out cape,
to the rescue! child showing emotions—
I can help! raised two daughters
they talked back at four, at twenty-three,
pin on “World’s Best Dad” ribbon
approach table, crouch eye level, peer
over paper cup, glance at lady, back, smile:
“obey your mom, I’m helping her, because
your dad’s not here” — fly away, halo gleaming

relieved to be thirty-something mother
forever focused on endless scattering to-dos
and kids, unique in personality and demands,
daily breathing deep the mingled joys
and challenges of parenting triple fleeting
childhood, intensely beautiful, wholly exigent—
my busyness has no edges, adding relationship-
building tasks to lists so priorities sustain
my love: braid hair, paint nails, play trains,
say “yes”, giggle, take walks, hold hands, drink
chocolate beverages regularly even if six-year-old
hurts feelings while toddler examines fragile display

so when stanza two inserts himself between us, interrupting
our Sunday morning ho-cho moment, a cozy calm
in our family storm, mansplaining to my daughter that women can’t
parent without a man, I’ll know he meant well, shoo him away,
squeeze her, whispering I love you before nibbling her ear,
wiping her hands, fixing her headband and bussing the table

Joann Renee Boswell is a teacher, mother, photographer and poet currently living in Camas, WA (USA) with her spouse and three children. Joann loves rainy days filled with coffee, books, handholding, moody music and sci-fi shows. Some places she’s been published include Untold Volumes, Voices of Eve, Western Friend and Mothers Always Write. Her first book of poetry is expected May 2020 through Fernwood Press. You can find more at joannrenee.com