POETRY IN MOTION

Our first grandson is due any day now, and I can't help but reminisce about his father, our son, and speculate about who this precious little boy will become in life. 

The memories.  I still chuckle when I think of some of the antics of Thomas and his twin brother, Jonathan.  Sometimes, quite honestly, I'm embarrassed to admit how they got the best of me, or how inept I was at parenting.  The day one of the parishioners (they are PK's) shook her head in distress and asked if they were "normal."  Another day, waiting my turn in line at the bank, the teller shuffled the requested cash and muttered tersely, "do they ever shut up?"

In spite of my parenting foibles, I am proud to announce how wonderfully they have turned out.  And ironically, they both put those talkative tendencies to great use.  Tom is an inspiring and eloquent Bible teacher, and Jon is a prolific and creative composer and songwriter.

Now bring on my first grandson!  As my husband always said during the most boisterous times, "be glad they are not dull." 

In honor of poetry month, and the inventive possibilities that lead to an adventurous and inquisitive life, I offer this poem I wrote some years back for my science students.

BLAST OFF

Mrs. Quiggly, how fast will my rocket soar---?

Not now, Robert, we're on our way out the door.

            Line up, class, with rockets in hand

            Launch day is here, it will surely be grand.

Mrs. Quiggly, if I choose an elliptical path---?

Robert, when you interrupt, you inspire my wrath.

            Now class, listen carefully and follow directions

            Take just a minute for final inspections.

Mrs. Quiggly, do you think Newton made a mistake---?

Robert, Robert, what on earth will it take?

            Gantry over here and fuel over there

            In a matter of minutes, we'll conquer the air.

Mrs. Quiggly, I've got it, I figured it out---

Robert, that’s enough, without a doubt.

HAVE A SEAT BY THAT TREE

AND WAIT QUIETLY FOR ME.

            Now then, class, to the launch pad

            If you've not paid attention, you'll wish you had.

VAROOOOOOOOOOOOM   CABOOOOOOOOOOOOOM

YEAOOOOOOOOOOOOOW   CAPOOOOOOOOOOOOOW

            Mrs. Quiggly, Mrs. Quiggly, come qui, qui, quickly

            Robert's upside down in the tree,

            and he's looking awfully funny to me.