This week I celebrated my 65th birthday with my family on Tuesday in New Orleans. I have been babysitting my youngest grandchildren, June (3.5 years) and Sam (13 months) while my daughter and son-in-law work. The kids are adorable and exhausting, entertaining and a physical work-out, especially Sam who is climbing and into everything.
My favorite moments include nightly story time. June squeezes in next to me on the glider. Sam loves holding the book and babbling like he is reading along.
Yesterday while June napped, I took Sammy out in the stroller. He is happy being outside, even in mid-90 temperatures.
Notes on a Walk along Paris Avenue, New Orleans.
As the stroller passes, a squirrel leaps
to the next oak, blue reflections in its tail
as if the sky was caught there, unaware.
The baby hums along with the breeze,
a song dancing in his head.
Echoes from the neighborhood school garden:
”Clap, Clap, Clap! Listen!”
A Little Free Library opens
at the hummingbird house.
Bright pink Crepe Myrtle blossoms
canopy overhead, the only flower that blooms
in this heat.
My heart rate matches time with sidewalk bumps. Baby babbling softens as he sleeps.
Margaret Simon, draft
Reflections on the Teche 
Margaret, this is so rich in detail. I feel like I’m right there walking with you, humidity be damned.
Believe me I was dripping! Thanks.
Happy Birthday, Margaret! Love that image of the sky caught in the squirrel’s tail, and those sounds that caught your attention. And what a sweet companion you had!
I wish I could have captured the squirrel in a photo. The tail was luminous. Thanks!
Happy birthday, dear Margaret! Such a lovely poem. Thanks for taking us with you 🙂
You captured another fabulous Mamere moment with your sensory rich poem. I always love reading about your time with your grandchildren.
This is the most joyful poem…all the sights, sounds, beats of a stroller walk with a beloved. Sammy is fortunate.
Happy birthday, Margaret!! I esp. love the tender baby babbling to sleep ending. xo
Oh, you had me hearing that sweet babbling. Love!
Feels like you’ve taken us on a Shangri-La -like walk…You transport us in the first opening lines and continue on with delicious lines like, “Bright pink Crepe Myrtle blossoms/canopy overhead, and the title adds to all, thanks for the virtual visit, lovely Margaret!
Feels like you’ve taken us on a Shangri-La -like walk…You transport us in the first opening lines and continue on with delicious lines like, “Bright pink Crepe Myrtle blossoms/canopy overhead, and the title adds to all— Thanks for the virtual visit, lovely Margaret, and Belated Birthday Greetings!
Happy Birthday, Margaret! What a great way to celebrate, wrapped in color and toddler joy.
Beautiful, Margaret! I could picture all of it as I read! What a special time. Belated Happy Birthday, too!