Growing Up

A series poem

Growing Up

5

And we played windstorm

she threw me around like Raggedy Ann

while I clung to her hand

in the imaginary turbulence

Don’t let go.

 

9

And she’s making lunch

standing over the stove, stirring Ramen noodles

the spoon becomes a microphone.

She instructs me with Alanis Morisette

be a good girl, try a little harder.

 

11

And she asks if she can trust me.

While she takes his hand

leads him down our bright blue hallway

you won’t tell mom and dad, will you?

 

13

How could you do this to the family?

Dad’s anger seeps through posters on my wall.

you have to give it up, you cannot be a mother.

But I know she won’t give anything up.

She threatens to leave, and he doesn’t stop her.

 

14

And she’s living with my Aunt

all Black Sheep share a lost potential.

And we get news

it’s twins.

And we hear

miscarriage

 

18

And all of my stuffed animals are

folded into brown boxes, labeled

Things that stay

I don’t even say goodbye to them.

 

 

Author's Note

The numbers aren't supposed to be consecutive.

Reviews

[Mauricio Montoya]

great jod well done.

[619girl]

Wow...this is sad. Is this for real? I like the memoiries though. i hope the girl is doing better then before! :)

[deeps]

And all of my stuffed animals are
folded into brown boxes, labeled
Things that stay
I don’t even say goodbye to them.

Love this part, Love the type of poem as well.
This is very well written and set up.
Like this bunches.