Buttoned-Down Minds

They would watch, with wild amusement,
as chubby little hands worked furiously, struggling with each button.
Tiny, unskilled fingers loosening, gnawing at them, until the last one was free.
She would wiggle out of her brand new, red velvet coat,
scrambling to play with building blocks and toys.
A capsule in time, that confirms something about her that cannot be tamed...
her pride, stubbornness, and a fierce desire to be
INDEPENDENT!


We are watching in mild discomfort,
as blue veined, arthritic hands work furiously, struggling with each button.
Swollen-knuckled fingers loosening, gnawing at them, until the last one is free.
Slowly, and methodically,  she shrugs off the old familiar, wool-tweed coat, 
while we patiently wait to enjoy our afternoon tea.
A capsule in time, that confirms something about her that cannot be named...
Is it pride, or fear, or a fierce desire to be
INDEPENDENT?


____________________________________________________________

For the contest sponsored by Black Eyed Susan: " Buttons "



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Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Suzadail Jr. Avatar
February 16, 2013 at 9:09 AM
Nice write with independence on two different ends of the spectrum.
Kendrick Avatar
February 7, 2013 at 12:32 PM
I can relate to this for those hands I understand..Creative way to go with the contest..Congrats on your great win..Sara
Poet Avatar
February 7, 2013 at 8:01 AM
Wonderful approach to the theme of the contest Carrie.Congrats on the win.
Haick Avatar
February 6, 2013 at 7:41 PM
Carrie, you looked deep and this came out, perfectly amazing. Congratulations to you on all your winnings! Love, Annalise
Dietrich Avatar
February 6, 2013 at 5:48 PM
wow, this is A DEEP one on buttons. OUtstanding, carrie and congratulations.
A   Avatar
February 6, 2013 at 4:28 PM
Carrie, :-) Congratulations on your well deserved win... xox~pd
Gorelick Avatar
February 6, 2013 at 2:47 PM
Aweome poem Carrie, you never disappoint. congrats. BG
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
February 6, 2013 at 3:23 AM
Big congrats Carrie luv xx
Veetil Avatar
February 6, 2013 at 12:22 AM
Congratulations on this winning write....
Andresen Avatar
February 5, 2013 at 12:57 PM
So many great poems with the theme "Buttons" - everyday things - Each one with different ideas ..... many different "Buttons". - Congratulations on your winning poem,Carrie! - oxox / / Anne-Lise :)
Lamoureux Avatar
February 5, 2013 at 8:13 AM
Wow! This is a wonderful piece. My personal favorite, absolutely loved it.
Bauer Avatar
February 5, 2013 at 8:01 AM
i love the bookends formed by these two stories and the way you've woven the button theme into both of them. brilliant!
Horsman Avatar
February 2, 2013 at 4:50 AM
these are so heart warming Carrie,, wonderful poetry..
Roberts Avatar
February 1, 2013 at 6:38 PM
Loved tne 2 versions, well done..Seren
Jones Avatar
February 1, 2013 at 5:18 PM
Very heartwarming poem. Good luck
Squyres Avatar
February 1, 2013 at 2:02 PM
Ohh I do adore these two verses...independence indeed !! I guess we all stive for it and then cling to it in life. Enjoyed !!
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