Fish Scales (First Draft)

Just a poem we did in Creative Writing class, more in Note For Reviewers.

Father.

Daddy.

Papa.

What do those words mean?

 

Fish scales mean more.

Fish scales symbolize happiness.

Fish scales symbolize us together.

Fishing, laughing, having fun.

 

Father.

Caregiver.

One and only.

Who are you?

 

When we’re out fishing and collecting fish scales you are happy.

When we’re at home you are angry.

When we’re in company you’re silent.

When we’re alone, you look at me and are disappointed.

 

Father.

Caregiver.

One and only.

Who are you?

 

Only you know.

I wish I did too.

I wish I could make you proud.

But I don’t.

 

Affection is pried from your cold fingers.

Your heart hearkens to me, but simultaneously darkens.

You love me, but you feel I’m not living up to my potential.

So you discipline me harshly.

 

Daddy, I’m not like you.

Daddy, I can’t be who you want me to be.

Daddy, I no longer want to fight you.

Daddy, why can’t you just love me?

 

What does disappointment and anger have to do with love?

Why should your feelings of care hinge on that?

Or maybe you just have a hard time showing your love.

And therefore, you seem cold and push me because of what you call love but I only see as ice.

 

Father.

Daddy.

Papa.

What do those words mean?

 

Author's Note

We had 12 words that we had a minute to write words or phrases for (for each one of the 12) and then had to choose one of the words (I chose fish scales) and make a poem out of our words. This poem still has serious emotional depth for me, as you may have noticed. Just tell me what you think in the comments.

Reviews

[Nathaniel Lufkin]

One thing I noticed was that "fish scales" were in most every line towards the beginning, but as the poem went on, you diverted away from that. Overall, it was very good

[The StoryTeller]

Thank you Nathaniel. Cya in creative writing! xD I'm glad you enjoyed it, even if it was slightly dark and true.