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Navigating the Stairs
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By Reason A. Poteet
Other Poems by Reason A. Poteet


Navigating the Stairs

School Rules: signed permission to stay after for the game.
Jake sits on the stairs a'wond'ring if he'll take the blame.
You see Jake had no note and because he made no fuss,
I sent this kindergartner home alone on the bus.

Mom with her boyfriend live upstairs at 409 Heath;
Dad and his second wife reside downstairs underneath.
Four kids under ten, four adults under twenty-five
navigate the outside stairs; trying to stay alive.

Brother forged his note and now he's at school with the key;
Dad's at work and Mom never gets off before three.
Thank God for caring neighbors who keep watch on the stairs,
they drove Jake back to school and then stayed to watch the Bears.

If only I had known that this fam'ly had no rules;
if only they had cared to find out about the school's.
Mom was angry with me.  "I want Jake out of her class!"
I was mad too, envisioning mutiny en masse.

I paid a visit to 409 Heath just to see
what was the real issue and why she was blaming me.
Waiting on those same stairs, sensing a terrible ache -
I chose to say the words, "Sorry, it was my mistake."

The door flung open, not because I admitted fault
but because I let it go and she felt free to talk.
I learned about her "rules" as I listened to her cares,
taking just the right steps, we navigated the stairs.

written by Reason A. Poteet

 


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Submitted: Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Last Updated: Thursday, September 15, 2011

About the Poet
Growing older with some pains and discomfort, graying hair, glasses, partial plate and hearing aids but with complete assurance of my eternal domain. Saved by choice by Gods free grace by Jesus life, death and resurrection. Born and bred in the Bluegrass State for 24 years, I crossed the Ohio River and became a Hoosier forever thereafter until that time God calls me to my heavenly home. Christian for fifty-five plus years. Church musician and SS teacher for most all of my Wednesdays and Sundays. Public school teacher for thirty-six school terms; retired with a class now of three grandchildren off and on during the week. Wife for half my life to the same superman. Mama to two unique sons. Mother-in-law to a fine daughter; Nana to one darling girl and two handsome guys. God has blessed me abundantly; thank you, Father. God quiets my hackles; God quickens my heart; God quells my hunger. Blessed be His holy name.


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