WCCOA Announces 2024 Poetry Contest Winners
The Wood County Committee on Aging (WCCOA) would like to announce the winners for the 18th Annual Poetry Contest. Submissions were accepted from Wood County residents 50 years of age and over, with a theme of “A Moment in Time”. A total of 28 poems from 22 authors were submitted, and a BGSU writing professor reviewed the submissions and selected a winner and an honorable mention.
Pam Day of Bowling Green is the first place with her poem entitled, “A Moment to Dream” winning a $100 gift card sponsored by the Manor of Perrysburg.
Pam enjoys writing, and has entered the WCCOA poetry contest in years past. Pam stated that she wrote this poem “because when she was younger she had a tree that wasn’t big enough for a treehouse, so her dad built a little seat under it for her to sit in. She felt special knowing he put the time in to it to make something special for her, especially with him having four children. My father passed away in 2022 at the age of 101, so it was nice to write this poem and reminisce about our time together.”
Bowling Green State University Associate Writing Professor Chad Van Buskirk stated that the poem “A Moment to Dream” reminds us that life is the stuff of moments.”
Karen Wood of Bowling Green is the runner up with her poem entitled, “Eulogy” winning a $50 gift card sponsored by Wood Haven Health Care.
Honorable Mention was awarded to Mary McGowan with the poem “I Only Did it for the Kids”. Congratulations to Pam, Karen and Mary and thank you to everyone that participated in this year’s contest. We received many fantastic entries and look forward to sharing them with the community.
My Moment Outside Time
---------------------------------------------------
Cindy Adcock
in one moment in
time
she was mutilated
by a demon
in the church
where I worked
I never knew evil,
I never knew evil
could rip me to
shreds
and Tolkien’s orcs
could chase me ferociously
turning dreams
into nightmares
in which though
not knowing God
I streaked toward
the power of God
and the moment two
weeks later
when the minister
touched my forehead
with baptismal
water
and I was in a
vortex
of diaphanous
angels
swirling around me
whirling around me
lifting me in a
motionless up-draft
until
the minister
removed his thumb
from my forehead
and my moment
outside time was displaced
by Sunday
morning’s mundanity
“A
Moment in Time”
---------------------------------------------------
Marty
Almanson-Reffner
We take our first breath of fresh air,
and fresh life.
Expectation and joy abound
with each passing day
A moment in time …….
The years move quickly
as we grow in stature,
Our minds are filled with wonder
as we acquire knowledge.
A moment in time ……
We seek to find our way,
our calling, our purpose.
We look for a path suitable
to our gifts and talents
A moment in time ……
Experiences of love and family
move us forward on our journey.
We live and laugh
with children and grandchildren.
A moment in time ……
We continue to our restful
years of reflection.
Gratitude mixes with regrets.
The time to impact others is fleeting.
A moment in time ……
Throughout our life, our souls
may long for forgiveness,
fulfillment …. for faith in Someone
Who cares. He is a prayer away.
Untitled
---------------------------------------------------
Patti
Bankey
She
was put on this earth
She
was put on this earth to love
She
was put on this earth to share her faith in God
She
was put on this earth to be a nurturer
She
was put on this earth to sparkle
She
was put on this earth to inspire
She
was put on this earth to share her talents
She
was put on this earth to be an advocate
She
was put on this earth to be spunky
She
was put on this earth to be an adventurer
She
was put on this earth to be a listener
She
was put on this earth to cherish
She
was put on this earth to be a friend
She
was put on this earth to comfort others
She
was put on this earth to be a patriot
She
was put on this earth to be a healer
She
was put on this earth to be loved
She
was put on this earth
---------------------------------------------------
Lisa
Chavers
A
moment in time can change everything!
A
holy moment can virtually transform anything!
A
sacred moment can absolutely redeem a hopeless thing!
A
defining moment can cause a troubled heart to sing!
In
just a moment in time, two single people can become engaged.
A
fellow can bend the knee, and present a ring that is “all the rage!”
His
timing could be perfectly gauged; His gesture would likely be praised;
Causing
the woman to be totally delighted, yet somewhat dazed;
While
onlookers would be both entertained and amazed!
Within
a moment in time, a woman may deliver a new life into this earth.
An
eager and expectant mother could experience a miraculous birth!
A
moment in time could mark the difference between life and death.
Being
able to freely inhale and exhale, then ultimately taking one’s last breath.
A
person could rejoice one moment and grieve the next
Without
receiving an advanced notice, or nudge, or warning text.
One
can place their faith in the Most High God, within a moment in time.
A
soul could shift from being tossed and lost, to being anchored and divinely
aligned.
One
could choose to be resolute and resilient, rather than to relinquish, whine, or
resign.
Each
of these remarkable life events could easily take place within a moment in
time!
MY
NIGHTMARE BROTHER
---------------------------------------------------
Michael
Coon
There’s
a part of me that few can see. It’s hidden in my keep. But constantly it stands
a watch, even when I am asleep.
I
found it in a dream one night, a nightmare you could say. It’s given me that
inner strength, to hold my fear at bay.
I
had monsters in my closet, and a monster in the hall. Death was always hunting
me; I had no chance at all.
And
the witch that lived there with him often put him in a rage. So, I hardly ever
left my room, I was hiding in my cage.
But
I survived, cause it was there, I kept my will to live. So, I endeavored to
endure, the worst that they could give.
But,
when he screamed and charged at me, I did not step aside. For I had seen much
greater odds, when I faced Mr. Hyde.
My
friend said that I saved his life, defending him with might. But it was just
that part of me, kept hidden from his sight.
It’s
always their misfortune, to resemble Mr. Hyde, they’d always wind up on the
floor, their vacant eyes awide.
The
men, they did not tarry, softer prey they sought to face, and so, once more, I
did escape, the reapers cold embrace
You
could say that I’m a schitzo, if it’s true, well that’s OK. Because without my
nightmare brother, I would not be here today.
---------------------------------------------------
Dru
Cunningham
My
life is “A Moment in Time”…
Sometimes
intensely interesting,
Sometimes
sublime!
Often
the ordinary moments just shoved to the back,
Replaced
by overriding glimpses savored
In
recurring memories.
I
do have a limit.
Fitting
into the hallowed halls of fame
I
have my own personal gallery.
Considering,
and compared with, countless
Centuries
of unbelievable spectacles
In
time and space.
But
my moments belong only to Me!
Those
“Moments in Time” are who I really Am.
At
times I am a little girl riding
On
a black and white pony
Galloping
through the woods;
Sometimes
I am marching, twirling a baton
Like
the Big girls,
A
tiny mascot, eight years old, leading
The
high school Band!
Or
a nervous child singing a solo
At
a little country church.
Suddenly
a teen in short shorts
Flirting
with the boys leaning against
A
red convertible;
Loving
school, in spite of those pesky
Math
classes.
In
other brief moments I see my parents
Gaze
of love quietly passing between their eyes,
Then
spilling out, ever so often.
“Moments
in Time” I Am:
A
diligent learner; a hardworking teacher;
A
“Jack of all trades” wife; an “always on duty”
Adoring
mother; a wide range caretaker;
An
ardent traveler in an ever-changing world.
Moments
to remember, so precious, seem to go on
And
on … revealing and unraveling my life.
If
only I could always sense the value of each
“Moment
in Time”… every moment…
Remembering
foremost to Love…
To
Give… To Hope… To Forgive.
To
never forget each fleeting, “precious moment”
On
my personal Time piece.
I
have only one chance.
There’s
no turning back.
TIME
GOES BY
---------------------------------------------------
Donald
Czerniac
In
a moment of time,
I
think of her,
My
deceased wife.
We
were meant for each other,
Loving
the same things:
Theatre,
movies, books,
Music,
concerts, and sex.
We
did not marry
Until
I was forty-six,
My
first marriage.
I
think of her often,
In
a moment of reflection,
Glad
I married her.
---------------------------------------------------
Donald
Czerniac
In
a moment of time,
My
life is reflected completely.
Most
were good times,
Now
overlooking the bad ones.
Life
was a joyous occasion,
Filled
with love and adventure.
Made
friends not forgotten.
Who
I called true friends.
Or
all the women I loved.
It
all happens in a moment of time,
It
keeps me happy in old age.
A
Moment to Dream
---------------------------------------------------
Pam
Day
A
battered tin bucket tied to a frayed rope allowed easy transport
of
a Nancy Drew book and Mom’s warm chocolate chip
cookies,
a spiral sketch pad, soft kneaded eraser, black charcoal stick.
Mostly hidden behind a leafy screen, safely secure from the world
below,
moments alone in our backyard tree meant time to slowly savor
nature,
ponder shape shifting clouds, gaze at cerulean blue skies.
From
my perch way up high, daydreams bloomed effortlessly into
plans,
ride my own horse, visit European art museums, contemplate Mona’s
mystery,
gaze starry-eyed at van Gogh’s swirling magical night.
Perhaps
venture away from this rural place, pursue a
degree,
work as an artist, a teacher, opportunity
climbing
that tree became a reach for dreams.
Many
years later, college complete, I carefully climb to my
wooden
seat, there in our backyard tree, waiting to hold me in that moment, keep
me
safe still, allow me to contemplate all that I yet can be.
---------------------------------------------------
Pam
Day
In
any given moment, in the twinkling of an eye
Austria
Afghanistan
Barbados
Botswana Bhutan
Chile
Chad Cambodia
Dominica
Estonia
In
any given place, our faraway and our nearby
Finland
Fiji Gambia
Hungary
Haiti India
Jamaica
Jordan Kenya
Lebanon
Laos Libya
In
any given life, in those we know or never meet
Malta
Mali Malaysia
Norway
Niger Nicaragua
Oman
Poland Panama
Qatar
Russia Romania
In
any given space, in our focus or unseen
Samoa
Spain South Sudan
Thailand
Tonga Tajikistan
Uzbekistan
Uruguay
Viet
Nam Yemen Zimbabwe
In
any given moment, we cannot comprehend
Worldwide
joys, worldwide sorrows, lives begin and quickly end
Deemed
unworthy of a fuller view, our lives we tend
---------------------------------------------------
Connie
DiPuccio
I
cook the sauce, stirring fast.
Serve
the food, clean the house.
Sunny,
warmer, a perfect day.
Turn
on the news, New Yorkers are dying.
The
Midwest waiting for the surge.
Not
enough test kits, “It’s the State’s Problem!”
Just
another day in the Coronavirus Crisis.
Just
another day in the Coronavirus Crisis.
The
Old Folks in the Gallery
---------------------------------------------------
Connie
DiPuccio
They
came in yesterday
one
in a walker
one
had no teeth
an
old man’s zipper was half down
into
the gallery.
The
nurses were pleasant,
asked
intelligent questions
which
I answered.
I
liked them.
The
one with no teeth
babbled
on and on
about
the print “Le Poule,
my
favorite, of a hen with eggs.”
“that
takes me back.”
seems
she used to hunt eggs.
Tears
formed in my eyes, slight anger.
my
grandmother she
had
it together,
could
move & think
and
snap back an answer
Faster
than I.
But
. . . . .
They’re
here and she’s not!
The
Five Shortest Years
---------------------------------------------------
Robert
Dougherty
The
five shortest years of your life, without a doubt,
Begin
when your first child is born.
They
end on the day, you see that child, full-grown,
During
the middle of which, you’ll be torn.
As
an infant, your child will be totally needing,
Of
all the comforts you give.
The
arms of its mother and father,
Food,
and a warm place to live.
In
the second year, a pre-schooler’s soon to appear,
Asking
questions, you’ll think never end.
Answer
them wisely, don’t be left when he’s gone,
With
an ache in your heart, that won’t mend.
Though
their questions seem foolish; to them, they’re important,
Answer
each one the best that you can.
For
answers now given, can determine the character,
When
they become a young woman, or man.
In
what seems like another year, this child will change,
Then,
it’s off to the classroom he goes.
If
your child is a boy, and you ask him ‘bout girls;
And
he likes them; well, it never shows.
At
this age, I ‘spose girls start to cooking,
While
boys take to scouting, and such.
They
no longer hold your hand, while walking;
In
their life, you’re not needed as much.
Now,
the next year depicts a time of trial,
As
a teenager enters your life.
If
you have understanding, and loves’ ties are strong,
Then,
you’ll both whether well the strife.
There’s
a gap between parent, and child.
If
you’ve put forth your best, face the future with hope,
And
don’t fret, if they seem a bit wild.
During
the fifth year you’ll see appear in your life,
A
charming young woman, or man.
As
before you, full grown, stands the fruits of your labor,
And
you love him, as only you can.
In
five years of your life, or so it will seem,
You
have shared your child’s laughter, and tears.
If
you’ve done your work well, they’ll love you a lifetime,
For
your efforts, during, “The Five Shortest Years”.
A
Moment in Time
---------------------------------------------------
Dorothy Ellis
A
quote I once read said that,
“Life
isn’t measured by the breaths
We
take, but by the moments that take
our
breath away.”
These
moments in time create our memories.
Some
are cherished while others naught,
A
reflection of choices made as we
Journey
through this life we’ve sought.
Do
our memories make us who we are?
Let’s
take a closer look to see.
Do
we sometimes feel we’re not at
All
as God created us to be?
Love
jumps out at the forefront and tugs
At
our hearts with passion unbridled.
The
loves that we’ve found, the loves that we’ve lost,
They’re
moments in time that come with such cost.
As
each moment passes, it becomes very clear.
Whether
hurtful or joyful, they’re part of our years.
So
how do you cope when you feel all the pain?
While
waiting for the storm to pass,
You
can learn to dance in the rain.
Feeding
time
---------------------------------------------------
Barbara
Gould
The
Puffin is a prideful bird
Who’s
used to being admired
Survival
is the vital word
And
finding food makes them tired
It
stands on a rock on the side of a hill
It
stands very elegant and very still
Don’t
be fooled by the stance
It’s
watching quietly for the chance
A
fish might be swimming by
Off
he goes to give it a try
Using
his beautiful beak
To
get his fish as we speak
Off
to the hungry family
This
fish is shared by all
Must
feed a family of 2 or more
He’ll
be sharing the fish once ashore
It’s
needed to survive the cold
So
his moves must be bold
Finally
all are fed
So
now its off to bed
Nesting
isn’t easy though
Especially
on a rock
But
needed for the flock
Now
it’s rest for all, Nary a peep or call
Lost
and Found
---------------------------------------------------
Edward
Hoover
We
wandered into the Smokies’ woods
A
hike to a waterfall.
The
grass was high, the path was thin,
Thanks
for a clear blue sky.
We
went right and we went left
But
followed the path each time.
Up
the incline we wandered on
Over
the top we went.
The
water was just ahead, we heard.
Down
the hill we went.
The
trail turned and wandered and bent.
The
water we heard was Roaring Fork
Not
the falls we sought.
Though
we were lost we knew where we were.
And
the question now was this.
“Can
you be lost, if you know where you are
And
no one thinks you are missed?”
A
Moment In Time
---------------------------------------------------
Mary
Kaczor
A
moment in time . . .
is
so little you say
but
it is long enough to smile and,
possibly,
make a stranger’s day.
A
moment in time . . .
How
much could I do?
To
start, listen to a child’s story
a-l-l-l-l
the way thru.
A
moment in time . . .
is
so short, that is clear
but
it can mean the world to
someone,
who just needs an ear.
A
moment in time . . .
Where
would I start?
That
is easy, hug a loved one
Close
to your heart.
A
moment in time . . .
Is
all you need
To
laugh, at yourself, when
Your
own words you don’t heed
A
moment in time . . .
is
so little to give
to
help a person in crisis not
wanting
to live
In
a moment in time a life
begins,
while another one ends.
So
keep in close touch with
your
family and friends.
Now
is the time, to gather your
moments
all together.
For
they are your way to
make
the world better!
Memories
---------------------------------------------------
Shirley
Kingsley
Memories are as precious as gold
We sit in our chair as they unfold
Go back into years that have passed
They come flooding back the subjects so vast
Some are good others funny or sad
A loving memory about Mom or Dad
Old relatives and so many others
A cranky old aunt, sister, or brother
Remember a day when it was bright and sunny
Laughed and joked, the whole day was funny
There was memories when all was bleak
Tears came to our eyes, and we’d just weep
Memories are good with new being made
A lot we will remember a lot will just fade
In our bed or in our chair
Memories come from everywhere
When grandchildren visit we can share our past
Then all our memories always will last.
A Moment In Time
---------------------------------------------------
Michelle
Malik
Life is full of moments in time.
With your first breath you opened your eyes and saw your
mother’s smile.
You experienced a most meaningful
Moment in time: Life.
A moment in time is a moment, an instant, a specific
NOW.
It is the time in your life, created by you, that will
forever be a part of your being.
A happy moment in time
Can be the first time you made a friend or when you
fell in love at the moment you meet.
A moment in time can be painful.
Perhaps a moment of extreme sadness, a death, a
failure that you wish would disappear.
Then, in an instant, a joyous moment in time
Returns and takes another path;
A good path: holding new precious moments in life to
treasure.
A new reason: for future moments to be part of your
life.
A future moment will become part of you; a new path
for you to take.
A new moment in time
A BOX OF TREASURES
---------------------------------------------------
Mary
McGowan
Halloween
is in the air They
picked the one that they liked the best
It’s
in the pumpkin on the chair One
costume each, and then a mask
In
the pictures made in school I
let them put them on to play
Of
skeletons and ghosts and ghouls It
was such fun that rainy day
Jack-O-Lanterns,
orange and black Now
they’re waiting anxiously
Hissing
cats with up-raised backs To
wear them out so friends can see
In
the box of last year’s fun To
Trick or Treat down every street
A
costume there for everyone And
scare the goblins that they meet
(The
box the kids persuaded me When
tired kids burst in the door
To
get down for the family They’ll
dump their treats out on the floor
When
on a cold and rainy day Choosing
ones that they like best
They
wanted something new to play) Then
in a bowl put all the rest
So
standing tiptoes on a chair And
after Halloween is done
I
grasped the box, then put it there I’ll
fold the costumes one by one
Upon
the center of the floor Put
them back into the box
And
opened up its magic door Close
the lid and seal the top
There
lay the treasures---old yet new: Then
standing tiptoes on a chair
A
ghost, a clown and batman too I’ll
take the box and put it where
A
bunny and a tiger cat A
year from now we’ll bring it down
A
witch’s dress with pointed hat To
see the treasures, we have found
I
Only Did It for the Kids
---------------------------------------------------
Mary
McGowan
One
day I let the kids talk me When
I tell her go lie down
Into
getting them a puppy She
barks at me
I
didn’t really want to But
when she’s tired
I
knew I would be sorry She
looks at me with
And,
of course, I was right Innocent
brown eyes
The
puppy is a nuisance Beseeching
me to
She
chews on everything Hold
her for awhile
She
wets on the floor So
I pick her up and she
She
spills her water Snuggles
in my lap
And
drags her food Tucking
her warm nose
All
over the house Beneath
my arm
When
the kids are in school I
smell sweet puppy breath
And
I’m busy cleaning While
she sleeps
She
brings me her ball And
I remind myself
If
I ignore her I
didn’t really want to do this
She
attacks my legs I
only did it for the kids
---------------------------------------------------
Scott
Regan
1950:
Brown
leaves curl and slowly turn to smoke.
The young raker stirs the flames.
He dreams of infinite power:
A six year old Prometheus!
1970:
Now
a father, a responsible neighbor,
Knowing that burning leaves are
forbidden,
Piles leaves in his yard.
His son attacks with gusto:
Diving, rolling, laughing.
The
father sighs;
Reraking will be in order
But wasted effort is not
a waste
2020;
A
third generation repeats the ritual:
Leaves dry and die and float down
each autumn
and are tossed in the air by
Children screeching with joy.
The
withered old man watches with a happy tear.
He contemplates leavings.
Life
passes
In a
moment.
---------------------------------------------------
Liliana
Rossi
Life
is a series of moments.
Of
wonderful moments,
Of
painful moments.
Moments
sometimes too
Unpredictable,
too powerful
That
take our breath away.
They
happen at the blink of an eye.
And
in this split second,
Your
life can change forever.
They
can lift us
or
you can get lost in the moment.
Moments
of heaven on earth,
And
moments too deep to ignore.
They
can give us eternal life,
Or
they can take it all away.
And
suddenly, the life you knew
Is
gone forever.
We
live for the good moments,
And
get recharged to go on.
But
is those horrifying moments
That
come out of nowhere,
Suddenly,
without warning,
That
paralyze and shake us,
That
seem to last forever,
With
scars too deep to heal,
Are
the ones that matter the most,
A
lonely road full of bumps and collisions.
Tears
---------------------------------------------------
Jerry D. Smith
Every
morning I cry out to God.
Never
certain of the reason, which is odd.
With
tears that have many sources.
From
different directions over many courses.
Tears
of Joy over God’s Faithfulness.
Those
of Fear and those of Loneliness.
Of
Sadness of Sin and Deceit in the world.
Of
Desperation as hate unfurls.
Tears
of Hope and tears of Longing.
Of
Wonder and tears of not Belonging.
Of
God’s Mercy and tears of Regret.
Tears
of Worry of what man’s sin might beget.
Tears
of Anxiety of my own making.
Over
God’s wonderful and mighty Creation.
Tears
of Awe and tears of Wonder.
And
tears over many of my Blunders.
Tears
of Anticipation that make me shout.
Of
Excitement and those of my Doubt.
Tears
of Disappointment and of Sorrow,
Of
what man might unleash tomorrow.
Tears
of my Unfaithfulness and sinful nature.
Of
Him and His Blessings and Nurture.
Tears
of what must be God’s disappointment.
Those
of Love for my family God has anointed.
Tears
of God’s forgiveness of my Stumbling.
That
God overlooks my Fumbling and Bumbling.
Those
that make me eternally grateful.
Of
God’s love over those who are faithful.
Tears of God’s Mighty Power and Divine Nature,
That
allows sinful man a chance for a future.
Tears
of His Holiness and Invisible Qualities.
For
Eternal Life and with Christ, Equality.
Tears of Grief that over time subside.
Those
that stem from feelings of Pride.
Of
weddings my wife missed out on.
Those
for her not holding her great grandson.
No
matter what direction or source of my tears,
God
is always faithful and soothes my fears.
He
ultimately gives me hope in my heart,
That
from me He promised, will never depart.
The
Hole in My Life
---------------------------------------------------
Jerry D. Smith
Have
you ever had a hole in your life?
An
emptiness filled with sadness and strife.
One
that cascades into many vacuums,
To
which you never dreamed you'd succumb.
My
hole came with the loss of my wife.
The
deepest hole in all of my life.
A
hole that brought me to tears every day.
From
which I feared I would not find my way.
A
hole in the Pew when I sat alone,
Another
when I opened the door at home.
Still
another when I got ready for bed.
Yet
another with the thoughts in my head.
When
I turned and saw the empty chair,
And
suddenly realized there is no one there.
I
come home from work to an empty home,
With
no one to greet me because I'm alone.
When
I turned down the covers of the bed,
I
gaze at the empty spot beside my head.
I
rise in the morning and looking again,
The
spot is still empty, it's useless to complain.
I
go out to dinner and eat by myself,
Staring
at the liquor on the top shelf.
Knowing
in my mind it would be a sin,
To
turn to Jack Daniels or Tanqueray gin.
There
is good news to all of my pain,
God
has been there and has kept me sane.
He
has given me strength to bear up each day,
Lifting
my spirits, giving hope as I pray.
He
is up and about and out of the cella.
For
every married couple will lose a spouse,
including
the gentlest and even the louse.
Optimism
has returned and hope for the future,
For
God is filling the holes with his nurture.
So,
I look on the brighter side of life,
And
remember the good times, not my strife.
A
MIRACULOUS MOMENT
---------------------------------------------------
Karen
Witte
In
the beginning there was no time in
Heaven
on Earth.
In
fact, there wasn’t anything until the
sudden
birth of the Creation, when God
spoke
into being everything of worth.
From
nothing everything we know was
made,
from the brightest sunshine to the
darkest
shade.
The
wonders of our earthly home, the
mysteries
of space, the charms and
beauty
of all creatures, the gifted human
race.
The
miracles of creation truly are sublime.
The
miracle is God made them in just a
moment
of His time.
The
Moment is Now
---------------------------------------------------
Karen
Wood
I
overhear parents lament that life will be perfect
when
the
baby sleeps through the night
or
eats solid food,
and
is finally potty-trained.
And
I want to say: Oh, Sweet Mama!
Bury
your head in your baby’s fragrant neck.
Nuzzle
that soft, intoxicating head that feels
like
the furry catkin of a pussy-willow.
Celebrate
the flawless skin and those tiny fingers
that
grab your own like the world depends upon it.
Freeze
in your memory the certainty that
there
has never been a smile like the one on that tiny face.
Why?
Because those moments are the substance of
your
very being. The soul-numbing minutiae of the modern
world
will surely sun-fade the gifts of time and
obliterate
the memories like the ash at Pompeii.
But
know that throughout your life,
when
you smell baby powder or see a new-born,
for
a fleeting second, your mind will go back to
the
scent and feel of that baby’s delicate head
Eulogy
---------------------------------------------------
Karen
Wood
He
had been out of work for two years, but
had
only that very week snagged a new job.
To
celebrate, he invited her to a swanky
and
expensive Easter buffet at a luxurious big-city hotel.
The
brunch promised sublime midwestern happiness:
Shrimp.
Champagne. Prime Rib. Creme Brulé. Piano music.
As
they walked from the parking garage, an unhoused man
asked
him for money to buy a sandwich. She held
her
breath, as she knew there wasn’t much money
in
his wallet and he badly wanted to treat her to a feast.
He
looked at the dirty, lank-haired, and so very tired man living
on
a bench and smiled for a second. Then a twenty-dollar bill
exchanged
hands and they sealed the deal with a hand shake. Without
a
word, they continued onto brunch paradise.
It
is true that this man had never been a great dad.
In
fact, he was not even a good dad.
But
on that day, in that moment, he was the best dad.
