19 Comments
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Mary Roblyn's avatar

Just love this, Kay. People marvel at, and celebrate, Williams’ dual careers. But you’re right: he didn’t have to buy or wash his famous plums. The image of pressing the sun and moon together while peeling glue off of a child’s fingers is vivid. It’s a perfect illustration of what is expected from mothers.

Kristen (Kay) Middleton's avatar

Thanks Mary. It’s gratifying when everything comes together - and when the universe kind of converges in a single moment. Always appreciate your comments and thoughtful words ❤️

Tara Connor's avatar

This is fantastic! Really, your language and voice are just working at such a high level here. I love it. It's funny because I just watched the film "Paterson" last night, which is about a poet who is also a bus driver. William Carlos Williams comes up in the film, so I've been thinking about him today, and his plums! The film is beautiful, and as a poet, I found so much truth and beauty in the character's weaving of poetry into his day. I highly recommend it. Thanks for sharing this poem.

Kristen (Kay) Middleton's avatar

Thank you so much, Tara! (Delayed response here on my part, eek.)

Parthenia Fields's avatar

Yes, yes, and YES! *she exclaims as she struggles with this herself*

Kristen (Kay) Middleton's avatar

Thanks P! (Delayed response from me, sorry!)

Sue Mell's avatar

Oh, Elmer’s glue!

Kristen (Kay) Middleton's avatar

Exactly Elmer’s. 😊You got it!

Bethany Bell's avatar

Geez. I love this poem.

Kristen (Kay) Middleton's avatar

Thanks so much, Bethany. ☺️

Margaret Ann Silver's avatar

I love this!

Kristen (Kay) Middleton's avatar

Thanks, Margaret! ☺️

Kristen Luiso's avatar

I love your poems!!!

Eric von Hoffmann's avatar

Beautiful

Susan Landers, MD's avatar

You CAN be a doctor and a poet, and a mom, and all the things you want to be.

Kristen (Kay) Middleton's avatar

Thanks, Dr. Landers! ❤️

Marian Gillis's avatar

At the end of soccer season, I turned to the mom who enabled the coach, her husband, and simply said Thank YOU.