Rattled
shermanalexie.substack.com
Article voiceover
Sometimes, holding a dish towel, I feel the urge to drape it over my shoulder then drape my baby boy over the towel, and pat his back while singing to him. But he's twenty-one now, taller than me, and I can't lift him that high anymore.
I just shared your poem, first with my son, then with The Clan, massively expanded through a marriage two years ago. The response was universal, all parties, all ages missing that stage captured so well. I seek both spaces simultaneously, both giving and receiving the support of shoulder and patted back. But I am NOT rattled. I am even more peaceful now, having had both roles, being surrounded by people who have been fully present in those roles. Good God am I a lucky one!
My first born is extremely introverted and heading off to college in the fall! I am scared to death for her! Not especially relevant to your awesome poem but hey fellas got to vent 😀