One Two Three

by Laurie Frankel

Some of the kids in my class who can’t move their legs also can’t feel them, so though I sometimes have pain, I am grateful to have feeling at all.

Mother love is a powerful force. She is so essentially a part of me—like a limb, an organ—that maybe without her, I will simply cease to be.

Sure, it’s a little oblivious and myopic, but it’s also empathetic and generous and kind.

It was never dulling my guilt, only sharply insisting I had something to feel guilty for.

that having limits doesn’t mean I cannot—must not, maybe—bewitch and bewilder, range far and wander wide and wild.

Her girls are leaving, and she’s heartbroken, and she’s euphoric.