Marilynn's Blog

Today and everyday I am thankful for my family, my friends and my readers. One of the best parts of my job is getting the chance to meet my readers from time to time and talk about books, life and even the writing process. Not too long ago I had the chance to have lunch with Babette Gilles and she was kind enough to share some of her poetry with me.

It’s not easy to let someone read your work. I remember the first manuscript I shared with my friend. It was exciting to have finished my first novel and I couldn’t wait to find out what she might think, but then later that night as I lay awake imagining her reading my book, I was terrified. I wanted to go over to her house, get my manuscript and lock it up where it might never see the light of day. I felt exposed and vulnerable.

I’m glad I didn’t take it back. Putting my work out there for the first time was scary but it changed my life. My passion became my job. My words found their readers and a whole new family of friends began. I have met so many generous and fearless people, like my new friend, Babette.

Babette is eleven years old and loves to read and to write poetry. We met after she read my book, Play On and we talked about my work and her own. As soon as I read some of her poetry I knew it needed to be shared with my readers. I wanted to give Babette the chance to see her work published online and so I offered to include it on my blog. She gave me a big smile and said yes. I know you will embrace this young poet with the same warmth and love you continue to show me. So without further adieu it is my delight and my privilege to offer you Babette’s poem, a Thanksgiving gift to all of us.

Don’t be scared.
When the sun sets
And the night falls
The stars come out
To shine over you
And to protect you from harm;
Don’t forget that I’m your friend,
I’m your family
And I’m your other protector.
I’m here for you
And I always will be.

Babette Gilles

Sometimes no matter what you do it seems like you can’t win for losing. Yesterday morning I thought we were running a little early. How civilized I thought as we made our way to the car to go to school. Feeling a little smug about how clever we were I opened the garage door. There blocking every way out was an oil truck. Really? Who thought it was a good idea to schedule deliveries during rush hour? Is it a conspiracy? I was so close to getting out the door stress free and even on time.

Okay, no problem. Oh how woefully naïve I was. I head over to the driver and explain I need to take my kids to school, so I’d appreciate it if he would move the truck. This should have been easy right? Wrong. He says he’d be glad to, when he finishes up in about twenty minutes. Did I mention I was early? I was, but now being early is just a pipe dream. Now I am wedged into the ever-closing window of leave now and you can be just on time.

I explain twenty minutes won’t work when what I really need is now. He looks at me with a confused expression and asks if I realize he would have to retract the hose in order to move the truck? Wow. Okay, I’m terribly sorry for your suffering and all, but retract that hose, my friend before I find a place to stick it.

Then he tells me he would need to print a second ticket. Oh the horror! Catastrophe! This is not the customer service the side of your truck promises to deliver. Tick tock my friend, the on-time window is closed, we are now smack dab in the middle of the late zone. My kids look at me and I can see this is more than just a hose and ticket problem; this is personal. My reputation is at stake. Either he moves his truck, or I become little more than a chirping bird trapped in my cage.

Hard to believe I used to be a litigator, but I was actually baffled that this conflict had gone so far. So, I did what any mom would do, I put on my best mommy voice and put my hand on my hip. I quietly informed him that he must retract his hose and move his truck out of my way immediately. In fact I had worked up such a froth by then I nearly added young man!

Then a miracle happened. It was like a glorious sunrise over a bleak and dark landscape. He nodded and moved his truck.

We were inexorably late, but we escaped our garage and my reputation remains untarnished by his challenge. My kids still know they have to do what I tell them or I will absolutely put my hand on my hip.