I had never seen a tear until that day
as she swirled a drunkard's dance in the kitchen,
finding the only courage she could muster
behind a bottle of tequila.
I watched from the corner as that tear
ran from your eye, carving a careful path
down your cheek and off of your chin
as she squealed gleefully that you were not enough.
I cried too, feeling your pain
though I was far too young to understand
the hatred two lovers can find for one another
when the moment is right.
She threw her arms in the air, wildly,
just enough to catch the chandelier at an odd angle
and send it spiraling to the ground, and I watched
as the pieces danced across the lime green linoleum.
You tried to catch her as she fell away from you,
until you realized that was the story of your life
and your cheeks flushed at her audacity
and a catch turned into a harder than normal shove.
She fell, and I remember that green and red don't mix well
as she hit her head on the edge of the table,
and I knew you felt bad
but there was nothing in the world you could take back.
I hated both of you because even at that age
I knew you were the best she would ever find
and that was the worst of you that could be seen
at that moment when she stood up and walked out the door.
Then it was my turn to cry out of not understanding
the events that had unfolded before me and for your not understanding
that while you didn't know how to heal your own wounds
you would never be able to heal the wounds of the onlooking child.
Author notes
This is a true account of the six year old me watching as my mother walked out on my father in a drunken daze. I have not seen her since.
Written March 9th, 2005
What did you think
Comments
1 - 8 of 8
-
my lordy.
this is amazing. you describe it so vividly and brutally..... it must have taken alot to go that deep into this memory, but it was definetley worth it. this didnt move me to tears, im far too shocked by the rawness of it. this poem hit me hard, and thats what makes a good poem, cause its left a lasting impression.
congratulations on an outstanding write. -
A very touching, emotional tribute to your memories. Kind of reminds me of some of my own from around that same age.
Well done and hopefully the writing of this and more will help ease the hurt that comes with these memories. This too has helped me as well...
peace
doug
-
Such pain and torment in your words. I don't understand how a mother can just walk away from her child / children, but people make mistakes and usually realize that and have to live with it.
This is a moving poem. Well done.
-
Incredible
OMG, this is so powerful. I came to peak at maybe something you would like in your contest. I see it is truth...the unglossed, unglitzed truth. This is such a pearl of inner wisdom you have shared. -
Im so sorry you had to endure this, no child should ever have to see things like this. Take care of yourself
-
You're lucky. My father stayed around to ruin our lives. She got out before she could do more damage. I just hope you never drink. It could be genetic and if that's the case, you will be hooked immediately.
-
This is just so heart wrenching. You spoke to me and brought me into that moment I felt like a child that was hiding in the corner and praying to myself that they will stop and everything will be okay. Sadly this is such a reality for many young children and it takes a strong person to put such truth and emotion is written form. a sad but enjoyable read.
-
this is a very sad piece, but powerful. you have captured your feelings very well in here. keep up the good work, this was an emotional write. thank you for entering and best of luck in the contest <3
Adding your comment:
1 - 8 of 8
2 old applause
