Objects in the Rear View Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are

That song by Meatloaf often haunts me these days. My mother is 80, and it is obvious that now it is the memories of long ago that seem closer than they are, than the most recent. She remembers her childhood and youth very clearly, but has to be constantly reminded of things that happened just [...]

Spinning, Spinning (From one of the Soul Food journeys)

Spindle turning in my hand,
Yarn flows out in golden strands,
Twist and spin, twist and spin,
Prick my finger on the pin.
As I sit here in this quiet, reflective place, the only sound the singing of the birds outside the tower window, my golden spindle lying on the table beside me, I am amazed that I have [...]

Doo Lally Tap (from the Soul Food Chocolate Box)

The Soul Food Chocolate Box is full of wonderful prompts. The one about imaginary friends sparked this:
“You’ll have to stop this talking to yourself,” my mother said.
“People are saying there’s something wrong with you.”
My immediate reaction was embarrassment and shame. It never occurred
to me to say that I wasn’t talking to myself. If I’d said [...]