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Causerie \kōz-'rē\

An informal chat or talk: a friendly discussion, typically on a literary subject.

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Clearing Out the Clutter

3/31/2017

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Picture
Ah, the Viewmaster. How cool was that when we first got one?


Clearing Out the Clutter
 
I am happily putting away childish things.
Things like the jack-in-the-box
Which frightened me so many times,
But that I still kept winding up
To see if it came out the same.   
 
I’m putting away the cat’s cradle string that I
Bound myself to so tightly, I could not let go.
Away goes the ball that I had when I so often said,
‘It’s mine and if you won’t play the
Way I want, I will take it and go home.’ 
 
Out go the toy traumas in boxes, some of
Which are in the original packing material. 
The top that spun me around for years
Has been stopped. 
I’m putting away happy toys too.  A few of them
I’ve never wanted to share, and now they are
Too old to play with. 
 
I’ve saved too many relics from my childhood.
There are fears and hurts and hopes and dreams
Which need to be put into their rightful spot.
It’s time to do so, maybe passed time. 
It’s getting late.
Mom and Dad would be so pleased
That I am finally cleaning up the place. 
 
 
Earlene Grey
11-2011

Audio and Author Comment~




Is it time for spring cleaning?  Is it time for spring?  We, in Oregon, are not so patiently waiting for the springtime weather.  It will come, and then summer weather. And then we will be whining about the heat.  Such is the human nature. 

But this poem is not about whining or waiting.  It is about taking action. It is about cleaning up the junk in our psyche.  Of course, the whole piece is a metaphor about memories, fears and other such childhood issues.  Sometimes we hang on to those negative impressions far too long.  True, we may have been hurt, even brutalized.  I cannot minimize some trauma.  But at some point, we, as adults, can choose our own direction- away from childhood negatives, big or small.  Spring cleaning. 

☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎

Tea is Poetry Poured, A New Column to Read


The award winning, The Tea House Time Magazine, will begin printing a new column by Susan Patterson.  The column, entitled Tea is Poetry Poured, will make its debut in the May/June 2017 issue.  Each column will feature a poem, of course, and then relevant commentary.  The Tea House Times is available both in print and in digital version.  Publisher, Gail Gastelu, is a leader in the tea industry and her magazine is a must for up to date and accurate tea information and passions.  We invite you to take and look, and oh, yes, read our column.  🤗

Please visit The Tea House Times at www.theteahousetimes.com/

Picture
Our trilliums are up and blooming!

Enjoy the spring time weather, however and whenever it comes to you! 

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    Author

    Susan Patterson is a published author of three books of poetry and a book of memoirs.  She is heard regularly on RKWP podcast-radio. She also speaks at private and public events. Find out more at the website below.

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