I remember how the soft summer breeze blew through the yard, rustling the tree’s bright green leaves, tinkling the front porch wind chimes.
I remember the shade that the neighbor’s tree cast upon the four yards that met at the corner of our backyard. Where we dared not tread because of the ground’s swampiness.
I remember shifting the hammock to catch the shade as it made its march across the yard.
I remember my son, clambering onto the hammock while I rested inside, throwing off its balance as he climbed.
I remember him wiggling and adjusting, like a dog circling around his bed, searching for that just right spot, before snuggling in deep.
I remember the distant sounds of airplanes overhead, lawn mowers afar, and the occasional peal of laughter from children in other backyards.
I remember feeling cool, and warm, and embraced by this hammock and this sweet, squirmy child, now sleeping peacefully, as we gently swayed.
In the breeze that blew across the hammock in the shaded summer yard.
This scaffold is one of my favorites to use with children at the beginning of the school year, after reading Charlotte Zolotow and Tana Hoban’s The Moon Was the Best. The children are always able to come up with something, even if that something is just a visit to the local park. Here you have managed to pull me into that hammock…Be well, Aileen!
Alieen, I love the images here–the breeze connects them all. Beautiful piece. Thanks for sharing it.
I enjoyed reading your piece and the structure of it. It’s a great way to capture all those wonderful memories and share them with others.
Love the details you remember! It takes you back to a happy place.
Beautiful – so finely remembered and written about.
Love the picture you paint of a peaceful time. All’s right with the world.
I am left with the cocoon-like security of the hammock (two bodies!) plus what is sensed of the outside. Lovely piece.
Beautiful details of your memory. I’m glad you captured them in your writing and shared the small moment with us.
Beautiful writing.