At three I made my own breakfast
from milk and orange juice
a bowl and box of cereal
an unseen hand placed on the lowest shelves.
I was straight and sturdy
proud of my little self.
I never knew.
At twenty, I shunned marriage
turned away from my fine job
headed West--
the summer of love
North Beach poetry
music in the parks.
I was a rebel. I would be different.
I never knew.
"My art comes first," my new husband cautioned
as we left the justice of the peace.
He was crazy
chased women
drank.
Onward I marched
Athena, sword drawn.
I never knew.
Ah well. You've heard the story.
Single parenthood
my own crazy
choices that seemed bold and new
creative and affirming.
Until they died, Mom and Dad,
I never knew I marched behind
an invisible shield they held before me.
At last I see, at last I know.
photo courtesty of Willow. Read more writing from this prompt on Magpie Tales.
This is very good! Very clever and orignal take!
ReplyDeleteAnna :o]
This is so very touching, Suki. A lovely, personal write.
ReplyDeletebeautifully written..a different view of power, i think.
ReplyDeleteI love the insight, the honesty of your poem. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteI feel so much strength here Suki...sometimes we really don't know until we look back.
ReplyDeleteA deeply insightful poem - strange that we learn so much and still know little. I love this piece!
ReplyDeleteYes, we often are blind to the shields of protection and grace surrounding us as we walk through the world. I love your imagery throughout this poem, but especially the first part - the little girl so self-sufficient with her breakfast making.
ReplyDeleteWeren't you fortunate, or perhaps fortuned, with parents willing to shield one whose path varied from the norm. Seems like a wonderful, loving combination or souls.
ReplyDeleteWow Suki...I never knew!I'm so enjoying reading your poetry.
ReplyDelete