The Slow-Cooked Sentence

Parenthetical citation

Rachael Conlin Levy

The insertion of three additional people (even people I love fiercely) into the minutes of daily life has upset the equilibrium, and I find myself careening first left, then right, as I seek a straight course to lead me sanely (and them safely) from summer into fall. Summer is a time of parenthesis, the year’s aside that’s noted for its abundance of good sky and children, a weather condition that naturally leads to more action (a broken arm and subsequent baking duties of one crippled son) and less thought (mindecraft replaces math). The children are not alone in this space buttressed by two half circles, the uncertainty between the moon’s wax and wane, for I share their company having followed them into this crevice in the mountain we climb. Here, in the rock’s shadows, I walk. Gravel crunches underfoot, walls glow with heat, and bats fly overhead. I push through air thick with atoms, displacing the particles of nitrogen, oxygen, and argon (the atmosphere’s main ingredients) that spill past and fill my wake. Action leads only to more action (pounds of fruit converted to jam) and even less thought (evidenced by the lack of writing found here), for what is there to say when there is much to do? Like the snake, I sleep with my eyes open.



7 responses to “Parenthetical citation”

  1. kyndale says:

    Oh summer. We wait and pray for you. We then muddle through to find a rhythm or just some extra energy to make it to the end of the day. And JUST when I figure it all out, summer is done! We call it mindcrack! 🙂 I think they’re done. I have to feed them and then head up to the meadows today maybe! Wish you were here! xo

  2. There will be much to say, it is marinating. It will be even better when you find the time. I hope you get to shut those eyes tonight.

  3. Rachael says:

    Kyndale, it would be lovely to hike the Meadows and take in a view of Lake Tahoe with you and your kids. It will happen one day, I’m certain.

    Thanks, Denise, for the gentle reminder to be patient, something I’m not very good at.

  4. Oh. I don’t know how I forgot to mention the beauty of those tiny carrots and that satisfied grin. Fabulous.

  5. Rachael says:

    He immediately went inside and washed them — with soap.

  6. Kate says:

    I love and respond to your image of pushing through atoms. I always feel that the air at home changes when the holidays come. And each holiday is a little different because we’ve both changed a little. Enjoy your heat and busy days – and sleep when you can get it.

  7. Beth says:

    The “lazy days of summer” is just one big lie!

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