Age with Fractions

Age with Fractions

 

 

 

 

We were the best of friends

and always told our age with fractions.

We both hated Math and asparagus,

tore away the crust from bread

and started noticing boys in the sixth grade.

We grew up through hand me downs and braces,

through years of sibling rivalry
and the constant humidity of the eastern shore.

We both married then moved away,
named our babies what we said we would in high school
and still exchange Christmas cards every year.

 

We were day and night,
black and white.

And told our age with fractions.

 

Reviews

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Kelly, your poem says so much, both in the lines and between them...i don’t have a sister but always wished I did. “We grew jp through hand me downs and braces”- so sweetly said. I did have both of those! I wore my rich cousin Denise’s hand me downs. They didn’t fit, but I was glad to have them. You write of that fork in the road of life that distances siblings and friends so often. You paint those childhood memories when we sere trying to be ‘grown’ and “told our age with fractions” with bright and meaningful brushstrokes. Despite time and distance, some relationships transcend. Beautiful write.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I vividly remember sitting under a tree on a blanket, and playing with dolls. There are some memories even time cannot diminish. Thank you for the warmth of a wonderful review, Annette!

[Lydia Shutter]

What a sweet reminiscence this is. I remember talking about what we would name our children with my childhood girlfriends. Those were the days...the days when mom called us in for dinner and we had no problems in the world. Those friends share our memories and they are jewels in the scrapbook of our lives. So warm and wonderful....I loved this one, Kelly. Lydi**

[Kelly Scheppers]

I deeply treasure the friendship we've been fortunate to share through the years. I always will. Thank you, Lydi!

[Lydia Shutter]

Sending you birthday hugs!

[C. M. Miller]

I am not good at math, really . . . but this poems sure adds up! Girls always look ahead in ways young boys never do. Girls share more and boys . . . . well let us just say for the most part, they do not look far afield emotionally. Made me jealous.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I think boys get too wrapped up in trivial things, like sports. Girls are more focused. It's in our DNA to be that way. Thank you for a most wonderful review, my vigilant friend!

[barleygirl]

This is one of the most beautiful things I've read of yours so far. You pick graceful relatable powerful details to show instead of tell. The longing is palpable in each line. The idea "age with fractions" is so fun & fresh & well-used thru-out. This poem makes me love nostalgia again (sometimes I get jaded) *smile* Fondly, Margie

[Kelly Scheppers]

It's funny, that I still remember doing it. Thank you so much for the compliment, Margie. Are you alright from those two earthquakes we had? All is good here! Take care!

[barleygirl]

Didn't feel a thing here! Thanks for asking!

[Dr. YumnaKay]

Always takes a special kind of friendship to pen a piece like this, I think. My best friend from school moved to US 10 years back, and though we try to keep in touch, it's never been the same and I just kind of gave up on the idea of making best friends. Your write made me nostalgic. Nice one, Kelly.

[Kelly Scheppers]

It's hard making best friends - I know exactly what you mean. That's something that happens over time, that grows deeper and sweeter with every passing year. And there's a little nostalgia thrown in there, as well. I'm thrilled it took you back, if only for a moment or two!

[Richard🖌]

Oh-YES, Kelly!
That half year was always almost as important as the age years.
I can recall trying to figure out how to say 1/2 on fingers, and came up with holding up 4-fingers, then a pinkie, and when asked, "What's that?" I'd proudly reply, "That's my one half!" and it would always get a surprised, wide-eyed smile, followed by an, "Oh!!"

In my preteen years I never had such a friend as yours to share with, but I knew girls were special before 1st grade. ; )
And, hand-me-downs from cousins, though, were always an exciting moment, because my overalls were getting too short and tight.

I wondered, which "eastern shore" you referred to?

Your poetry always inspires something memorable or special, mostly both. Your picture choice is tenderly endearing, charming, exemplifying perfect imagery -- as it always does.
I like how you penned this one into a story; likely true … or, it feels like it, and it's beautiful, too, in the way you and your best half-year friend shared and never lost touch with one another.

I hope you never do; thank you, Kelly … smiles 'n hugs! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Kelly Scheppers]

I grew up along the Chesapeake Bay and fondly remember those long humid summers. It's good to know my friend and I weren't the only ones using fractions! ; ) Thanks so much, Richard!

[Richard🖌]

My joy, Kelly.

[Ted Kniffen]

Sometimes, even when you lose touch, those old friendships linger on. Even if you haven't seen them for years, when you do run into each other it's like old times...like you'd never been apart.
Those are the friends to hang onto.
"How long has it been?"
"Two and a half years now, I think. Yes, 2 & 1/2 years."

Friends are those you choose and those who choose you and become closer than family.

A good write, Kelly

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, Ted. Always a pleasure having you here.

[Chris Shaw]

A very special relationship, almost as close as sisters I think. Beautifully penned Kelly. I smiled at some of your memories and reflecting on my younger years, those fractions were most important. Especially when you were trying to pull rank with a slightly younger friend or a sibling. Very nicely conveyed. You write so well.

Chris

[Kelly Scheppers]

Those fractions were most important at the time. Thanks so much, Chris!

[Amanda Moubarak]

this symbolizes a good friendship, the best actually, the one that last through the years. how rare and beautiful that is. well written

[Kelly Scheppers]

It is rare and beautiful, and you never lose the significance that it brings to your life. Thank you most kindly, Amanda.

[John the Baptist]

Seems to be a memoir of the relationship of sisters. Unlike many such recollections, the memories here appear to be pleasant ones, and the relationship seems to have withstood the test of the years. Is the eastern shore mentioned the one in Virginia?

[Kelly Scheppers]

I grew up along the Chesapeake Bay,and vividly remember those humid summers, just as well as I can recall the pots of steamed crabs summer long. Thank you, John!

[John the Baptist]

You're welcome, Kelly. I grew up in Norfolk, on the south side of the bridge-tunnel, so I can attest to the humidity.