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Cort Smith, Professor Emeritus, Universty of the Pacific say: “[s]he sums it all up: parental love, childbirth, the death of parents and of friends, grandchildren, the joys of sexual love and of deep friendship, the fears and infirmities, the humiliations and pains and sorrows and losses of old age. But the rewards too, and the gratitude. She doesn’t flinch. Never looks away.”
Life Unfolding
By Karla Klinger
I have never met anyone who tells her truths the way poet Karla Klinger does. Her words express stark realities about life, sometimes cushioned with soft landings. Unapologetic about her innermost feelings, Karla reveals her whole truths—a lesson she has been teaching me during 47 years of friendship.
Her poems are luscious, tender, soul-searching, funny, sad, and occasionally wicked. Karla converses with us as we read. In her book, Life Unfolding, we can join her in questioning the complexities of life and in striving to make a difference.
As a guest on my podcast, Women Over 70: Aging Reimagined, Karla read “This Particular Dot in Time” which offers exquisite images—“a kaleidoscope of moving shifting colors… a museum of memories…” and wise insights about her journey to growing old-er. The time has come for a wider audience to receive the gift of Karla’s poems, her heirlooms. Read an excerpt from Life Unfolding below. – Catherine Marienau, Ph.D., Professor Emerita, DePaul University
This Particular Dot in Time
Life unfolds
a thousand transitions
talents waxing and waning
experiences expanding
beliefs evolving.
I am a part of all that I have met,
more than a layering of selves
or a set of nesting dolls,
each containing the one before.
I am a collage of selves stitched together,
a kaleidoscope
of moving shifting colors.
Name another period in human history
when white women
had more rights,
were more able to stand
independently before the law,
could be in charge
of their maternity.
Children of the greatest generation,
life spans the longest,
freedom and opportunity
the most abundant
for many in our country,
for me.
I am a museum of memories
uncounted images
and emotions
cares and commitment,
living longer than Elizabeth 1 or my father,
twice as long as Jane Austen,
ten years less than Mother.
I gave birth to three children,
affected lives, strove creatively,
corrected some mistakes.
Most importantly,
I always tried.
It’s almost done.
I wake into NOW,
life narrowing,
grateful for another day. I send my thanks to the universe
for allowing me to inhabit
this particular dot in time.