In September When You are Twelve

In September when you are twelve

thoughts should be of beginnings

of returning to school

of soccer practice and violin lessons

of new dresses and laughter with friends.

 

In September when you are twelve

the sun should warm your face

and the breeze blow through your hair.

 

In September when you are twelve

there should be sleepy dreams

about the magic of tomorrow

growing in your soul.

 

But this September when you are twelve

what grows inside is not a dream

but a nightmare

and sleep is just a sad hint

of what is coming soon.

 

No sun can warm you now

nor remove the cold hand

from your bones.

And no breeze can shake the hair

that your medicines have robbed.

 

The only new dress

shall be worn

for a different return.

 

In September

the first chill comes at night,

and the darkness lingers longer.

The leaves begin to tinge

and when they finally fall,

a blanket of gold they will make

to cover you

and warm you for your journey.

Author's Note

The last rites of the Roman Catholic Church were administered to my niece yesterday afternoon. this is in her honor. She has shown how to live in her short life.

Reviews

[TL Boehm]

I knew before I got past the first few lines that I was going to be in tears and still I read. This is such a beautiful and aching tribute to your niece. there aren't the appropriate words to convey the depth of emotion I feel as I read this. It takes the breath away. I'm a mom. We so want that first part for our children....and not the second part.
Peace

[SteveB]

Thank you so much. I think that those of us who are parents can only shudder and imagine the unimaginable in this situation.

[Pryde Foltz]

How Tragic. You do your niece an honour, for sure. Your piece was lovely and all the great things one can say about any poem. Also, I think it will help you and you're family to grieve. And right now, that is ever so needed. I am sending you and yours a prayer of healing. LOVE.

[SteveB]

Thank you so much Pryde. Your kindness is greatly appreciated.

[Angi]

Oh Steve, this piece is so heartbreaking! 'In September when you are twelve' took my breath away. I can feel the aching sadness. That blanket of golden leaves provides such imagery. Sending my thoughts and a hug to you my friend. Angi~

[SteveB]

Thank you Angi. As a Mom I am sure you can imagine what this is like for the family. Thank you for your kindness.

[Sharon Kim]

Steve, I'm so sorry to hear that. My heart is aching for you and your family. I'm sad that she will not get the childhood that she deserves. September, when you are young, is a time of fresh starts and new beginnings. I could feel that in the beginning of the poem. In the middle, I could feel the sadness, pain and anger of her sickness. But, at the end, I felt a sense of peace. I hope that is true for your niece and for you and her family...to know she is no longer suffering and that she will be in a peaceful, pain free place. I can't say better place because the best place would be at home, healthy with her family.... Sending hugs in sadness

[SteveB]

Thank you so much Sharon. I hoped that sense of peace would come through. Thank you for your kind words and prayers for Julianna