Bubbling Over

Aerial dribs and drabs, a sidewalk canvas
As a toddler chases bubbles her mother blows
       from confectionary soap,
Fluttering fluidity in spring air

Child's laugh, a mosaic of innocence, discovery and glee
Her run after each globe, unsteady, twisted gravity
Her footwork shifts in warfare wobble, no sinkhole falling
Her reach to pop each bubble, circus kerfuffle, giddy,
        giggles that swing like a trapeze artist,
        while a mother retrieves 
        unexpected memory
        shards of recovery
        that coat a guarded self
      
Neverland jester, a child's guileless glow,
          routing air baubles 
          unconstrained by space,
          untethered from fear,
          avoiding a fall off the planet
          to limited mobility

For sometimes life's march 
                                     doesn't start on time





Poem revised: April 19, 2021
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Zahid Avatar
July 11, 2021 at 5:56 PM
Hey, congratulations on your win :)
Sambourne Avatar
July 11, 2021 at 8:39 PM
Thanks very much Paghunda, for your congratulations. Be well. Brian
Vionet Avatar
June 16, 2021 at 8:03 AM
a colorful bubble of a poem - nice!
Sambourne Avatar
June 16, 2021 at 9:35 AM
Thank you Anais. Kind of you to drop by + comment. Best wishes, Brian
Watt Avatar
August 4, 2020 at 10:00 PM
There is no sound to my ears sweeter than a child's laughter. You've captured this bubbly moment so poetically, with wonderful imagery and the language of childhood. I love your ending. Congratulations of your high placement ~ John
Sambourne Avatar
August 5, 2020 at 5:35 AM
Thank you John. I have revised the poem a few times but will leave it to stand now. So much of the piece is about movement so the final line conveys a purposeful march, something adults with goals seem destined to do. Best wishes Brian
Ermine Avatar
August 4, 2020 at 4:28 PM
Brian! In no offhand way do I say, Bubbling - is a gem. 'Fluterring fluidity' paused me, caused me to drink this in slowly. Enjoy I certainly did! Threaded subtly with circus references, 'kerfuffle' - that entire sentence laughs like a brook! ' Warfare wobble', Neverland jester' - describe a toddler to a tee. With your new thought and expression, this moment jumps off the page, ingrained in everyone's sentiment.
Sambourne Avatar
August 4, 2020 at 4:57 PM
Hello Sigrid Thank you heartily for your kind + astute comments. The child's tottering delight, a circus like frenzy, is balanced by the mother's momentary reserve from watching her daughter. The little girl (innocent/untroubled) lives in the moment. The mother (heavy with experience) has tread life's march as the daughter will do. Your insight into sub text is very commendable. Best wishes Brian
Ermine Avatar
August 4, 2020 at 4:28 PM
Fluttering!
Mishra Avatar
August 4, 2020 at 12:42 PM
Loved this soothing moment of the soft innocence in childhood. You've remarkably portrayed the gentle imaginations and emotions. Congratulations on your win Brian! :)
Sambourne Avatar
August 4, 2020 at 5:02 PM
Thank you Aditi. Innocence versus experience is certainly a theme I was hoping to convey. I often read your fine poetry too. Best wishes always, Brian
Gauthier Avatar
August 4, 2020 at 6:27 AM
precious ~ congrats on your well deserved win, Brian.
Sambourne Avatar
August 4, 2020 at 6:51 AM
Hello Line Thank you for the positive response. I was encouraged to write as I watched a pensive mother presiding over her daughter's riotous glee at bubble bursting. For just a moment the mother's thoughts seemed suspended. Best wishes, Brian
Lawless Avatar
August 4, 2020 at 5:24 AM
I was slowed by the subtle shift in the moment of this poem as its shadow shifted from child to mother. Nicely done Brian and thanks for playing in the moment contest
Sambourne Avatar
August 4, 2020 at 6:11 AM
Hi John Thank you for directing the contest. In the strung together moments of her child chasing bubbles, the mother reflects on life - perhaps the innocence lost or the energy faded in aging - I leave that to the reader. Thank you for your kind remarks. Brian
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