Gumball Poetry - Poetry by Martha Clarkson

Martha Clarkson

Marking Time
to Kellie

You've been baby-pinks for so long,
now at nine
on the rim of your first real decade,
I want to cull perfect words,
impart the wisdoms I've accrued
as serum into your veins -

but I can tell you only 
that some days will be lumpy
like awnings of you are sticking out all over,
and always pedal faster than coasting
but know when to coast

I still blow on skinned knees yet
I'm never quite sure what age you are -
lying on your bed we talk like teenagers.
The wax burns so fast,
the wick is shorter than it ever seems.
Please don't tell me when I tie the last bow.

Martha Clarkson is a designer in Kirkland, Washington. She has been published in Arnazella, Rain City Review, and the Portland Review. See Martha Clarkson work, After the Diagnosis which was published in Gumball Poetry's first issue.

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12.01.2000
Gene from Metaline, Wa

From the heart
Recalls a time I know so well, when baby sweetness was slipping away, and mid youth was just around the corner.

9.08.2000
Tasha from chicago, il

~*~
as a mother of a 20 year old daughter, this really hit home... beautiful piece. thanks.

8.19.2000
Anne Powell from Noti, Oregon

Good Writing
I am not a big poetry buff, well, not modern poetry. I like poems that rhyme, call me old fashion. BUT, this poem is really good. Keep on writing, you do it well.

8.03.2000
Anne Allison (annieallison@hotmail.com) from Noti, Oregon

Ms Clarkson speaks truth from a mother's heart
All of us luckyenough to be mothers have felt the exhilaration of watching our children develop their independence, while struggling to overcome a desire to keep them young. Ms. Clarkson's carefully chosen images of tender moments between child and mother are wonderful!