Sharlie by Julie Hinson From the book Random Writing
collar with a bell...how many did you lose??
hanging out with me in the garden
announcing your arrival and continuing down the hall
never quite sitting on one’s lap
playing with my shoelaces when I am trying to tie them
playing ball down the hall
yowling when you’ve been left outside and I am inside
you know my voice and come when called
bats
live mice
dead mice
rats
birds
learning not to climb the birdcage
belly rubs
cuddling with me at night in bed
doesn’t get into food on the counters
begging for cheese
“chicken” sharlie
drinking water with your paw
waiting for me to pet you in the morning
playing with the comb or brush under the bathroom door
sleeping in Nico’s stinky football clothes
rolling and summersaulting in the dirt in the yard
biting my head, why? was it your way of showing you cared?
i miss you
Mom From the book Our Moms
Mom, you keep vast amounts of knowledge in your brain
you give me ideas to make me a better person, teacher and grown-up
even when I don’t want your opinion, you give it anyway which can be embarrassing because you always have to comment on everything
you like food especially if someone else cooks
but how can you hate cooking?....I love to cook
Vacation time = Boggle time
hugs are an important part of making me feel special
you love me, and I love you
Julie Hinson
Teacher Museum
I Got Up...
It was still pitch black in my room when I heard the news on NPR. My sleep time had ended, but I still wanted to enjoy the last few minutes in my warm, comfortable bed. Tiff was purring in my ear. Her rough tongue licked my cheek urging me to wake. I sat up and reached my feet to the floor. Hobbling toward the sound of the radio, I switched off the alarm making sure I didn't step on Crespa. I grabbed the portable radio, so I could continue to listen to the news while I finished waking up in the shower. Another day had begun, and I was finally ready to face whatever challenges today would bring.