What I Want to Remember
What were the songs my father whistled
under his breath, what drove his heartbeat?
Isn’t that tune floating now in my bloodstream?
Didn’t he write a poem for me when I was just a kid
about my dreaming of a hope chest and didn’t
I look at him as though he spoke a foreign
language? Mama said she’s not old enough
yet, and of course I was greener than
the magnolia in the front yard,
my soul unsprouted, though it’s clear
to me now I was growing toward
the strong trunk of independence
and not toward a man and a white dress.
15 thoughts on "What I Want to Remember"
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Love this…strong trunk of independence!
Thanks Linda, that is the heart of it, isn’t it?
Lovely — soul unsprouted..strong trunk…and a great ending.
Geri, always so appreciate your insight
What intriguing questions!
Pat, as always, I love your poem! Like especially “tune floating now in my bloodstream.” And Mama’s comment, and then, especially the image of greener than the magnolia. Bravo your independence.
Smiles of gratitude and thanks Bev!
I love this ode to your independence. The last line is so good.
Thanks Linda, for understanding
This poem is really good. I enjoyed how it opens questioning and ends so strongly declarative
Shaun, I love grappling with the questions
What incredible lines:
Isn’t that tune floating now in my bloodstream?
and
I was greener than
the magnolia in the front yard,
my soul unsprouted
Pam, thanks for your affirmation and understanding
Yes, I agree with pam. Especially caught by the soul unsprouted and she’s not old enough yet and like he spoke a different language.
Thanks Alyse