Tradition Poem by RoseAnn V. Shawiak

Tradition



Sitting at my younger son's dining room table, writing
in my usual position no matter where I happen to go.

Today being Easter, we are all together as always,
kids having eaten candy, picked up bunny footprints
from around their house, enjoying this particular
tradition.

Creating this tradition when only thirteen years old
for my younger sisters and brother, making bunny foot
prints from construction paper, and placing them every
where, giving happiness first thing on Easter.

Having copyrighted this original idea and creation,
giving permission to family and friends throughout the
years to use my idea for their own children.

Looking up from my poetry journal, eyes resting on my
youngest Granddaughter's Easter basket, straw strewn
all around it on the carpet, bunny prints everywhere.

Basket bereft of candy, because she has eaten and shared
it with everyone around her, such a sweet and generous
young girl of four.

Picturing her basket on inner photographic screens with-
in, a beautiful memory of her spirituality having been
formed at an early age, a tradition of past Italian
heritage.

Wonderful sight to see, knowing that all toys, stuffed
rabbit, stickers, hard-boiled colored eggs are all put
safely away in the refrigerator or toy box, bunny foot
prints still being played with all over the house.

POET'S NOTES ABOUT THE POEM
When thirteen, I had an idea to create bunny footprints from different colored construction paper, about six and a quarter inches long. After cutting them out, starting at the front door, placing two prints side by side as if a rabbit was hopping into the house, continuing down the hall, to the kids bedrooms, up to the side of their beds, checking to see if they were sleeping. (Even into Mom and Dad's bedroom!) Even into the bathroom, because bunnies need to go also! Into the kitchen, up to the table where the Easter baskets sat waiting for the Easter Bunny to fill them, footprints could be found there. A few paw prints upon the table to show he had leaned on it to fill their baskets. That began my tradition of Easter Bunny Footprints - family continues to do it for their children, Grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and some of our closest friends.
Just goes to show you, even children can start family traditions that will last throughout the years.
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