Notes About The Poem

School's Out

Trying to recapture the joy of those winter days is difficult. School cancelled: sun shining through the sheer, white, curtains into an all too girlie room, the sound of a tea kettle's whistle,  the ice cold feeling of oak boards on bare feet, between scatter rugs; I ran to the kitchen. The transistor radio sounded, still calling out school closings. The snow sifted down.

bright sun
sparkles on snowflakes –
the plow roars

Quick phone calls, punctuated with giggles, roused a gaggle of neighborhood girls. White skates in hand, I burst out the door. I rushed toward the swampy area behind the neighbor’s house. My rubber boots crunching crust above the powdery fluff. At the edge of the watery wood, I stood staring. Boys, I see the boys in there. They have their skates on already. Tommy Maloney, my crush, skated toward me. 

his black waves
dusted with snow –
whoops of delight

A hummock of snow-topped grass served as a seat. I removed my boots from beneath the zip sides of snow pants and try to tie laces new white skates. Once done I stood wobbling, weak-ankled. Tommy laughs, as knock-kneed I attempt a glide toward him falling on my butt. Oh how his eyes sparkled, an Irish rogue at twelve. Kneeling, Tommy began to re-lace my skates. I remember wishing, so much, he would kiss me.


First Contemporary haibun online Fall 2013
Published in Winter Legends 2014
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Martin Avatar
May 26, 2015 at 9:03 AM
Quite an enjoyable read, Debbie! Loved your use of haibun form.
Schneiter Avatar
May 15, 2015 at 10:34 PM
Debbie, I love this. It imparts life to countless winter memories of my boyhood. The imagery is part of that (wonderful!), but so, too, are the actions you so colorfully describe. And as for the last line—it couldn't be sweeter. 7+
Guzzi Avatar
May 16, 2015 at 8:06 AM
I don't think he ever did - he had bad parents (you could tell by how he grew, not a well cared for child by his teen years he'd lost teeth & had rotten ones showing black - so sad, so sad, he was 'black irish' and such potential [sigh].
Ward Avatar
April 12, 2015 at 3:19 PM
An evocative write. Julia, :)
Yvonne Avatar
April 2, 2015 at 10:05 AM
A mystery ending. Does the boy kiss the girl? Great write!
Guzzi Avatar
April 12, 2015 at 6:31 PM
nope not that I remember :(
Lindley Avatar
March 28, 2015 at 5:05 PM
A super 7 on this great write my friend. Memories of youth are what forms us into adults and they carry on in our decision making our entire lives. This was a very enjoyable read and gave comfort to think once again of my youth and innocence-so long ago. THANKS!
Nunez Avatar
March 28, 2015 at 2:47 PM
A delightful travel down memory lane, Deb. I love the easy way my eyes jump over the words. I see a haiku, a bonus! A 7. Hugs! Kim :)
Horne Avatar
March 28, 2015 at 6:59 AM
awww, love the sweet ending, Debs
Allison Avatar
March 27, 2015 at 8:41 AM
simply charming Debbie I was hooked from start to finish - a delight to read - 7 from me :-) Hugs Jan xx
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