World Beginnings

Grocery shopping in China was always challenging   made more so  by the fact that so few of the Chinese spoke English. Body lotion and face creams were particularly hard to find because all had whiteners, as some unsuspecting women discovered after using them for a few weeks when splotches appeared on their face and bodies! One day I was at the big Suego across from school, as opposed to the little Suego closer to my house, I was in the women's personal care aisle desperately looking for a body wash I recognized, when I saw a large display of Cunt Soap. I did a double take and looked around for a hidden camera or laughing people but no one was looking. Quickly I bought ten, it was right before Christmas and they would make perfect stocking stuffers! The next day, I took my “find” to school to share at break and lunch with fellow staff members. The next time I was in Suego, the shelf was almost empty. Nanjing, China 2012

It seems like just yesterday, such a trite little phrase,   you came into my world wrapped in blanket blue cradled in my arms.   I wanted you to stay there forever. Loved and desired beyond any feeble words   on paper scratched.   I want it to stay this way forever. Many bright roads have wandered we, far beyond the the bounds defining mother and son. I want it to remain so forever. Little did we know these shining moments were to light despairing depths May these be gone forever. No longer am I called to ferry you to Boy Scouts, planes and piano lessons. Push you to clean your room or mow the lawn. But I want to do it all over again. Now, it is me who relies on you to keep track of room keys, trolley passes receipts money   and chatter aimlessly, reassuringly. No where under the firmament   is a mother so fortunate today     for