Raising Boys (A series of five poems)

by Melissa J. Dixon
(Florida)

REFINE

I would paint this life

Multicolored angst, delight

A dance with love’s cry



RECOGNIZE

You make me so proud

When you tuck your face and sigh

Recognizing “yours”



RESPOND

Breathe in ripened crops

Sense grit in hidden foot-cracks

Heed speed bumps, mountains



RADIATE

Soothe the aching dark

Choreograph its heart-song

High-pitched lullabies



RECEIVE

Pray—from your belly

Deep, pithy concentration

A conversation