Marylou Mansfield

Many memories;
Dark and light,
Shadowy and clear,
Hidden and exposed.

Souped together,
Mixed and stirred,
Making broth deficient in confidence,
Slow cooking in a pot throughout childhood.

Be good, be nice, behave, be quiet,
Be careful, BE CAREFUL,
Cross in the crosswalk,
Wear sturdy shoes.

Self remains unseasoned,
Ladled into separate bowls,
Ready to taste,
Rejected as bland.

Preservatives keep old memories
Stored in places of the heart.
Self enters age of wisdom
Spooned with questions and restlessness.

Mature self emerges,
Strainer in hand
Sifting and arranging the “be somethings” and warnings.
Slowly, self esteem salts life.

Each taste now more flavorful.
Aroma fills the kitchen with consolation.
Old warnings offer sustenance.
New appetite is satisfied.