oak park

Ode to Home

Ode to Oak Park,

Where we learned to live as a family -

Away from family.

The place that gave me space

To recover from postpartum anxiety.

The home Steve built with his bare hands,

Every finishing fearfully chosen,

Brands that supposedly promised

Safety for our children.

The home Bub learned to say his first words,

Where he learned to run and

Climb stairs.

Where he transformed from

Toddler to boy.

Organic parks with diversity -

Where our children could play

Barefoot and free.

Field, Lindbergh, Constitution.

Spacious and green without pesticide pollution.

Access to the city

With all its dirt, grime, and

Wondrous glory.

Sun, sand, Montrose Beach,

Field, Shedd, Planetarium -

Showed Bub how to be adventurous.

Dragonfruit, figs, tomatillos,

Asian pears, and purple potatoes.

New foods from the co-op

That opened up our tastebuds.

The library that broadened our minds,

Where Bub learned to love

Planes, trains, and automobiles,

But also dim sum, pumpkins,

And superheroes.

Thank you, Oak Park,

For two years of learnings and,

Moments of pure bliss.

Our first home as a family,

Where Bub learned to piss

On the potty.

I arrived terrified of the new

And leave stronger, slightly wiser -

Open to the unknown

With a now calmer view.

Thank you.

SUMMER 2021

SUMMER 2022

SUMMER 2023