The Clasp Comments

Spare the rod and spoil the child.

I love you so much

'This was her mother, one of the two whom she most loved, the two who loved her most, near the source of love was this.' - Loved the thoughts the poem leaves behind these lines. Loved the comment of Adrian Flett.

i like how olds turns vignettes into verse, into detailed recollections. what is unspoken in this one is the sting of guilt, the regret. but the potential for meanness is in most or all of us if the triggers to it arise. -gk

Open eyes took me! ! Thanks for sharing this poem with us.

'she learned me' Interesting use of the word learned and how the mum 'learned' from near the source of love. This poem drives into that zone or area of that source.

This is a masterpiece by Sharon, no matter how many times your read it, everytime you will feel new experience.

I can also remember the first time own daughter looked at me with that unbelievable look of, but wait, you're my mom! Lovely poem.

yes every day happening...but not something ull forget in a long time...the angels might forget and take it in stride....you will surely remeber and relive poignant sensitising and great vwrite tenner cheers

One of the English essayists I was required to read ages ago said that if you strike a child it can be forgiven only if it done in the heat of the moment and without premeditation. This may be the thought of E. M. Forrester, but I don't think so, and my mind does not seem to be able to help with a more exact source. 'The Clasp' is undergirded by this wonderful sensitivity and the courage to share a frequent phenomenon of being a parent. I hope someday to find more of your work here or someplace in the universe because it speaks of what Paul Tillich's literary executor once referred to as the integrity of language. Bill Grace

This poem rings with truth. I know that 'What's this? ' look from a child - the sudden realization that you're not always on their side. Olds brings this out so succinctly and beautifully. I had never thought about it before.