In Tobi Cogswell’s tender and evocative poem, "Our Grandson Seeks the Snow and His Mother in Milwaukee," the narrator grapples with the bittersweet moment of letting go. Through simple, heartfelt imagery--grilled cheese sandwiches, coffee cake, and unexpected joy at a dentist's office--Cogswell captures the deep connections that transcend traditional roles. As the little boy heads back to his mother and the snow of Milwaukee, the poem beautifully reflects on love that finds its strength in letting go, offering a touching reminder that safe havens and cherished memories are ever-present in the hearts of those who care.

In "Don’t Even Think About It," Tobi Cogswell weaves a poignant narrative of childhood fears, parental love, and the complex dynamics within a family. Set against the eerie backdrop of rosemary rustling in the wind, the poem delves into a young boy's anxieties, from ghosts under the bed to the painful reality of a scar left untreated. Cogswell masterfully contrasts the nurturing protection of a mother who wards off monsters with green-dyed water and the harsh demands of a father insisting on maturity. This haunting and heartfelt poem explores the power of love, the scars we carry, and the idea that sometimes, a single courageous heart is enough to slay any dragon.