"It's your turn for face painting,
I'm holding your place."
"It's your turn for face painting,
come over here, Grace."

Are we all just holding
our children's place in line?
Guiding and strategizing,
reading the signs?

We're trying too hard
to make it all seamless
when the world is the opposite,
bumpy and gleamless.

It starts in preschool,
writing the essay
to go to the right kindergarten
so they don't go astray.

3rd grade Manhattan Projects,
built by the dads,
well-meaning of course
but really, so sad.

I wish I could say
I resisted the tutors,
banished college counseling,
bought the worst computer.

But of course I played along
in this rat race of childhood.
What else would i do,
start logging red cedar wood?

My kids are now older,
decisions all theirs.
I stand at the sidelines
with clean laundry and prayers.

        Karen Garfied
        New Hartford Road