Dedicated to al those wonderful people who play outside with us rain, wind or shine
BY SUSANA MOLINOLO
breathing is different now with two children
I’m tired, often, so my body is unsure how to work
sleeping is about recovery rather than pleasure
yet, I have the privilege of often lying next to my little ones
breathing their breath into me
*
I feel their aliveness in my blood
their smiles in my hair
their tears in the tips of my fingers
so often each day their grimy fingers
reach for me, desperate for their mama
it is their pangs that make the bags under my eyes badges of honour
*
instead of getting mad when my babies don’t understand
my need for a single minute to pee
or my necessity to close my eyes, face down on the kitchen table
we bundle up, fleece upon fleece, mitts, kleenex in every pocket
and head outdoors
*
outside there is air, large trees, naked branches with rustling leaves,
crunching leaves underneath, bird songs, train thunders,
street car rumbles, honks, beeps, motos
*
outside there are others like me who love so much
who know that being an outdoor parent brings some inner peace, and calm
and fun swing rides, puppies, shadows, and big trucks,
and cackles of laughter from our babies,
and discovery of twigs, rocks, wet sand and the sun playing peek a boo
on gorgeous October days
*
Susana Molinolo is a Toronto-based parent. You can find her
online: http://mamasvillage.blogspot
