Sometimes when I face-time
with my toddler grandchildren,
I have this urge
to pierce a hole in their psyche—
just to know
what emotions flood their universe,
which they’ve not yet collected
a vocabulary to express.

There is so much depth
in those little sponge-like eyes,
trying to make sense
of this complicated world
not even knowing the tools they own.

Old souls in young bodies,
laden with frustrations—
or is it me imposing mine on them—
my childhood of being silenced—
no words until I learned
to pick up a pen,
and scribble upon blank pages,
while trying to come to terms
with inconsistencies around me.

In my bones I learned
how positive behavior
was reprimanded
and bad behavior reinforced.

My grandchildren will be different
their parents taught them right,
and for this and so much more
proudness melts from my pore.
They are my lifeline.

 

Diana Raab is a poet, memoirist, teacher, and award-winning author of 11 books and editor of three anthologies. She writes for Psychology Today, Sixty and Me and The Good Men Project. Her latest collection, Walking Myself Home: Haibun & Haiku is due out in 2027 by Finishing Line Press. Visit: https:/www.dianaraab.com.