Giving
Mom led the troops in Pocono mountains
earning badges, making sit upons by
the campfire even with her foot in a cast.
She also wore a pink pinafore volunteering
at our local hospital pushing a cart laden
with magazines and candy down the corridors
for the patients.
Dad ran for office and won PTA President
using his argumentive skills. Losing an eye
in the Navy made him an advocate for eye
care in the Lion’s Club.
I learned by their example and volunteered
as homeroom mother for Heather’s second
grade class. She whispered in the phone to
change the date of the Valentine Party. At first,
I almost hung up thinking it was an obscene
call but her voice grew telling me they told
her not to breathe on the sick phone!
Became a Brownie leader taking them to
Nursing homes with their homemade Easter
egg tree and hugs for the folks.
Tutored kids at Carnegie after school
earning a big hug one day.
Greatest joy was leading the leash for
Clancy, a certified therapy dog to
hospitals, schools, libraries, nursing homes
and Carnegie as he did his splendid thing.
12 thoughts on "Giving"
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
This poem is dense with images and story–in a good way! Makes me want more
thank you.
Clancy is as big of a hero as your heart is oversized. You are a kind soul Linda. Love your poem and that sweet dog that you miss.
Thanks!
Joy, history, and love in the giving. It’s in your DNA, Linda! Glad you are keeping Clancy alive with your words!
Yes he keeps popping in!
This is beautiful, Linda; like a legacy poem.
And I loved it where Heather whispered into the phone.
Love the history of the poem, and the legacy that gets carried on. Wonderful.
This lovely poem unfolds its story beautifully. Rich in detail with strong poetic structure and fresh imagery. From the first line, the rhythm throughout propels the lines, especially when read aloud
There’s a loving legacy woven through this poem.
Your words are a story, a gift, a thank you card.
love this story of giving, especially “leading the leash for
Clancy,”