they glide with grace
lanky frames hide mirrored torments
as bodies bloom with unexpected terrors
yet safety’s numbers
provide protective coloration.
feigning insouciance
behind girlish giggles
they bare beauty while oblivious
to burgeoning heartbreaks.
I ache to join them,
feeling kinship,
yet see the careworn hands
that betray my years
and they look at me
and through me
seeing another middle-aged nobody
who was never young
Author notes
http://www.graphics.iparenting.com/clipart/teenpower/KS89740.jpg
Prompt #3: you're sitting at a cafe by yourself, outside, overlooking the scenery. where are you, what's around you, what are you thinking of, and how are you feeling? do any memories come to mind? [you don't have to answer all of the questions]
A contest entry
- Quickie... by sideways hourglass.
463 points, ended October 22, 8 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
How do you think I could improve this poem?
Comments
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The incongruities between generations is awkward at best, and at times the differences seem vast like a great chasm. Longing for what was, or what we perceive to be missing, is a poignant, acute, crisis moment, is it not.
Well written.
All the best, mj.
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I can so well relate to this!! Especially as my daughters enter their teen years. I don't think I could suggest anything to improve this poem, it is very well done- thoughtful, intuitive, introspective, lovely. The image just enhances it, reflects it. Wonderful and glad to see a trophy here!
Kris
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I agree with Trina...the ending was poignant. Good stuff.
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and they look at me
and through me
seeing another middle-aged nobody
who was never young
I love this. Best wishes in the contest.
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