Two Poems

General Instructions

I am sending my son to assist
you next week.
Do you have any children?
Treat him as your own.
Be patient with messy rooms,
odd solar powered gadgets running about.

Does your cook make veggieburgers,
brew Ginger Beer? I will email you the recipes.
Oatmeal cookies are his favorite.
I mailed some this morning for your freezer
as it is hot there.

Enclosed is a cheque to help with your phone bill.
Being a married man yourself, I know you’ll understand.
They are very close.

He tells me he will be winning hearts and minds
so you must keep track of his rifle.
I shall knit a blue sleeve for the barrel,
cross stitch his name.

My best wishes to your family.
Write when you have time because
the television doesn’t always get things straight, and please
let me know, as soon as you can,
what day you will be flying
my son home.

heidi_jirotka

Full Hearts by Heidi Jirotka

My Daughter’s Voice

Ancestral harmonies soften my solitude.

A sustained note streams into the future,
a continuance, like my sister’s hands.

My daughter paints long nails;
thinks they are her own.

I held her with my grandmother’s arms, close.

She swims out of reach now,
pushes life in front of her.

The hushed beauty, her own song
drifts in. With her new voice,

I braid the long mooring line.

About Margaret Rutley

Margaret Rutley was born and raised in Nova Scotia and is now living on Vancouver Island, BC. She has studied writing with Yvonne Blomer, Maleea Acker and Terry Anne Carter. Her poetry and short stories have been published by Leaf's Press, Polar Expressions, various literary journals, and the Sacred in Haiku Anthology. She was also featured on Stephen Gilis’ website and is a member of Heron's Quill Literary Group and Haiku Arbutus.

About Heidi Jirotka

Heidi Jirotka is a natural light photographer with over 20 years experience. Although her initial focus was on newborn and child photography, her portfolio is now diverse. Heidi lives in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, with her husband and their two children. You can find her work online at heidijirotka.ca.

3 thoughts on “Two Poems

  1. Christine

    Loved the poem “My Daughter”s Voice”.by Margaret Rutley. Very emotional.

    Reply
  2. sidney

    I love both poems. My Daughter’s Voice is very mystical and musical. General Instructions is humorous and poignant.

    Reply
  3. Jennifer

    I enjoyed both poems! They hit home as my daughter is 22.

    Reply

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