Minnesota Prairie Roots

IN THE LIVING ROOM, a ballerina guides a train along tracks…

then dances across the carpet, tulle flaring as applause roar.

In the kitchen, an elephant stomps. BOOM, BOOM, BOOM. Then asks for a cookie.

Along the river bank, snowboots slap on wet pavement edging the river and the ice-boxed rushing waterfall. The need to walk, to run, to just be outdoors prevails following days of near record-breaking brutal cold.

Then, beneath the bridge along the recreational trail, vehicles thump overhead while three walk, one trailing.

Back inside the house, two snuggle under a fleece and blue jeans blanket and read of baby robins and bunnies and warm days of spring.

Then preschool arms reach, wrap around neck and speak the sweetest of words. “I love you, Grandma!”

© Copyright 2019 Audrey Kletscher Helbling