“No, I don’t want to be an astronaut,
Or travel along with hobbits.
I don’t want to dive in the deep blue sea,
That’s for sure.”

Determined, the tyke adjusted his hood,
Brushed off his parka and headed for the door.

“Where are you going young man,” his mother
Asked calmly, careful not to disrupt the story
About to grow by creative leaps and bounds.
Knowing there was perfect logic in this
Recent adventurous episode.

Other sons take the easy road,
Hers would not. His plan, already well-formed
Would open a door to understanding words, thoughts,
And, of course,emotions,

“You’ll get lost Thomas, in the cold and snow.”

“No I won’t, I know how to read tracks,
How to find my
Way back.
Alaska is my goal, the tundra.

Grandpa taught me.
I listened.”

Charlene James-Duguid
Amissville, Virginia
November 5, 2019