“I wish you wouldn’t WORRY, my dear.” I met this kind statement with a GROAN. Tonight’s production threatened to rehash an old TROPE of good versus evil. I suppose I shouldn’t be so CROSS about the whole thing, but this was a very important event in our Belinda’s life. I didn’t want it ruined by some schlocky CROCK of moldy old boring things. Belinda was destined for greatness. And I, her mother, was determined that nothing would get in her way. Even if I had to take a shepherd’s CROOK to whoever threatened to steal the limelight from her first starring role. A hush fell over the crowd. The curtain rose, and a nice lady in a flowered dress began: “Welcome to the Sunnyside Elementary School annual play. Tonight, we have the first and second graders performing Little Red Riding Hood.” I held my breath – let the show begin!

Georg’ann

Not the simple Haiku book

Beautifully BOUND volume,
even a navy blue ribbon
to tie it closed. Thus
each opening again a gift.
Hands caress lush silk cover
in burnt oranges and deep blues.
Every page double paper.
Highlights the life work of Hokusai.
Tonight symbolizes the SCOPE
of our relationship. How earnestly,
elaborately your heart strives
to meet mine, where she wants.
CLOCK this bittersweet pattern.
Your arrows have a CROOK,
always missing the intended target.
Yet their faulty trajectory piercing
love lesson bullseyes so deftly.

Heather