clothesline

one of my few pristine memories

Tempe, Arizona, 1963

a scent of sunshine 

baked  into sheets on a line

certain smells take me back

a little boy, eager, struggles to keep up

her gentle admonitions oft repeated

"don't let them touch the ground, honey"

methodically we folded

longways, longways

toward and back, toward again

every week, just her and I

while the girls were in school

all her troubles subsided

and for that little while

my world seemed right

a boy and his Mom, learning, being...

Author's Note

this is why I like square dancing,
just figured that one out

Miss you, Mom

Reviews

[Samuel Dickens]

The clothes line was a special thing, wasn't it? Bright sheets and more, swaying with the slightest breeze, and oh, yes--that smell. When such things were common, more than a few of us sons were obliged to sometimes help our moms out with the laundry.

[Neville]

Magical, truly magical. You made me recall and momentarily catch a glimpse of some of my own special moments and as far as I am concerned, 'that' is one of the real skills of a writer. Cheers, N

[John Jackson (El Juero)]

So glad you enjoyed!

[Neville]

The pleasure is all mine

[Bare trees]

It's funny how some objects bring back memories so strongly. Great write.

[Michael G.]

John, this is art.

[Stacey Watts]

What an amazing memory. This was truly beautiful. The simple and yet gentle ways of a mother can be a wonderful thing. This was very well written and expressed.

[Brad]

:/. John, one of my favorites from you...pulls fond memories from within the soul. you had me feeling those emotions...eyes got a bit misty

[Kainan Corrales]

amazing. the descriptions of the memories genuinely place you into the scene.

[Gomer LePoet]

Memories on the pages of your mind, being young was so special, why were we in such a hurry to grow older. Thanks for sharing JJ :)

[Geminair]

Love this, clean crisp memories to go with those clean crisp sheets, and just the two of you Vs.the laundry.It doesn't matter how small the task, it's moments like that, that help define us.

Thank you for the share.

[...]

. i'm moved to tears by the beauty and magic in your words ... i am sure that they have reached her soul and she's sending you her blessings ... these simple joys of childhood are so profound ... "being" is more essential than anything else ...