The Unbecoming

And what will I become?
Now that I stand here unaided
With these two feet firmly planted
Alone in a one bedroom apartment

I choose to be embryonic again
Floating in a safe mother- vessel
With the memories of a 60-year- old
And the potential of an unborn baby

The unbecoming has commenced
All known versions of me now conjoined
I will emerge silently with eyes wide open
My name inconsequential and forgotten

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

reflecting on our birth...what we might be when we come out of the womb...what we actually became..
and feeling our life might just have been inconsequential...and forgotten.

But I doubt it...I think more people care about us than we could ever imagine.
This poem in its double meaning is so carefully constructed...wise in its wording.
really good Piece, LJW...
j.

[Richard Knox]

What a constructive way to look at starting over, or beginning a new chapter in life! Very effective!

[W.k.kortas]

I would echo the prior reviews in re the notion of rebirth, or the casting off of those things we were which now no longer serve us. I'm more than a touch jealous of this piece.

[Eilis]

I like how the unbecoming is like a rebirth rather than I loss. I suppose in many ways it can be our outlook that helps us bridge the gap between one life stage and another and come out somewhere more positive than negative. Your poem has a strength that is admirable. To be at a beginning and alone and to see that as an opportunity rather than a hardship or something to bear—that is a message I would like to carry forward with me. I do think one of the joys of moving through life stages is realizing the freedom of accepting ourselves as we are at each stage and not regretting or wishing to go back. Your poem has expressed the strength of this beautifully. I enjoyed this very much.

[LJW]

This is exactly what I was trying to convey. Thank you so much for hearing me and commenting.