Laura
I think it was the year
you swept up jacarandas
from the path
and sculpted them
a purple dolphin
I think it was the year
you planted herbs
and greedily
we ate them all at once
cut them down so deep
they couldn’t grow
The year
you raced your scooter
down the drive
our faithful dog
ears flapping
close behind
I think it was the year
you sang in every room
and filled the house
with questions
but did not wait
for answers
I think that was the best year
of them all.
“Being at home can be fun, insulating, relaxed, boring or isolating ... depending on how the day is going.”*
School holidays are almost over in my part of the world – six long weeks of noise and squabbling balanced by hot, lazy days at the beach or the pool with lots of daring exploits and laughter. Many of our days were spent at home, basking in simple pleasures like baking, playing games or outdoor pursuits – trying to relax the everyday routines of school-morning bustle and ‘having to be somewhere on time’. However pleasant, I must admit to being relieved that life gets back to normal next week, and I can reclaim some of my own time for writing again!
* From Being Mummy by Anne‑marie Taplin published April 2007