Read

"Misnomers"

Published:
November 28, 2023
February 20, 2023
Read this poem about that's about misnomers.|Read this poem about that's about misnomers.

From the seldom-cleaned
     bubbling tanks of local pet stores,

we “rescued” them—
     at least six over two years—

our yellow-bellied sliders,
     pet turtles transformed

into raceway drivers,
     no cars needed.

Five hundred feet
     of Hot Wheels track,

and we were unstoppable,
     piecing together sharp plastic

curves, loop-de-loops,
     the grand finale

a roller-coaster dive down
     two flights of carpeted stairs,

just in time for Sunday supper.
     The thrill of that push,

the silence of those who survived
     to “drive” again the routes we chose,

those who crashed too many times
     later transported to the outside arena

beneath the crowded Forget-Me-Nots
     alongside the expired fireflies,

the timid hamster,
     the too-slow buried hare.

Forgive us, goldfish and guinea pig,
     deer and garden snake.

Forgive us, all breathing creatures,
     our many trespasses

re-named in the name
     of “harmless play.”

Creators:
Marjorie Maddox
Published:
November 28, 2023
February 20, 2023
On a related note...
Free Download: 1-Month Transition to a Zero-Waste Lifestyle Challenge

Free Download: 1-Month Transition to a Zero-Waste Lifestyle Challenge

Grotto

How to Keep in Touch with Family from Afar

How to Keep in Touch with Family from Afar

Grace Carroll

5 Adult-ish Activities to Gather New Friends Together

5 Adult-ish Activities to Gather New Friends Together

Mariah Cressy

Understanding Family Life as a School for Growth

Understanding Family Life as a School for Growth

Paul Mitchell

Why We Should All Be Practicing 'Detachment'

Why We Should All Be Practicing 'Detachment'

Julia Hogan-Werner

Know the Warning Signs of Domestic Violence

Know the Warning Signs of Domestic Violence

Sarah Portner, LMSW

Domestic violence — or intimate partner violence — is not uncommon. Know the warning signs of it that may impact someone you know or love.

This Christmas, I Miss My Grandfather's Faith

This Christmas, I Miss My Grandfather's Faith

Brittany Jaso

The Magic of Mythical Storytelling

The Magic of Mythical Storytelling

Jacqueline Rose

Inspired By His Sister With Sickle Cell Anemia

Inspired By His Sister With Sickle Cell Anemia

Grotto

5 Things To Do When Your Friend Tells You About Trauma

5 Things To Do When Your Friend Tells You About Trauma

Megan O’Brien Crayne

4 Creative Ways to Stay in Touch with Friends Post-College

4 Creative Ways to Stay in Touch with Friends Post-College

Mariah Cressy

The Beginner’s Guide to the Ethical Fashion Movement

The Beginner’s Guide to the Ethical Fashion Movement

Lillian Fallon

Boundaries 101: Creating Space

Boundaries 101: Creating Space

Amelia Ruggaber

How (and Why) to Stay Socially Connected in this Pandemic

How (and Why) to Stay Socially Connected in this Pandemic

Julia Hogan-Werner

How to Make Conflict Productive (not Destructive) in Your Marriage

How to Make Conflict Productive (not Destructive) in Your Marriage

Amelia Ruggaber

How the Almanac Can Help You Live Seasonally

How the Almanac Can Help You Live Seasonally

Evan Holguin

Free Download: Mother’s Day Cards for Every Mom

Free Download: Mother’s Day Cards for Every Mom

Grotto

Bringing Data Analytics to the Church's Climate Change Fight

Bringing Data Analytics to the Church's Climate Change Fight

Grotto Shares

"Burial"

"Burial"

Barbara Lisette

How to Start Your Own Organic Yard

How to Start Your Own Organic Yard

Emily Bouch

newsletter

We’d sure love to be pals.

Like what you see? Make it easy on yourself and we’ll meet you right in your inbox next time.