FERN

relationships

Nine-year-old Fern

long, dark, silky hair

cut bangs to her eyebrows

green eyes match

the Sourwood Tree's leaves

outside her trailer home

Petite, shy, guarded

innocent child of screwed-up parents

jerked about, pass the baton

from grandparents

to aunt, uncle

finally to biologic father

just released from incarceration

thus far for all of Fern's little life

Frightened and spooked of the unknown

she tracks his every move

her shield is up

like an animal awaits a skirmish

she notes some stumbling, unusual privacy

no expectations, mystery

few words pass, abundant silences

honesty is unyielding for a child

time is of the essence

her past haunts

shall she have a say in her life?

Author's Note

True story, embellished with fiction and fake name

Reviews

[Lea Sheryn]

Sadly, this has happened to too many children.

[Betty Hermelee]

I know and is truly sad....

[Lea Sheryn]

It's such a shame

[Chris Shaw]

While some fall by the wayside through no fault of their own, others rise above the stormclouds, live to tell the tale and make a very positive contribution to society. If only that was the norm. Excellent write Betty, well delivered and thought provoking. I have known a few Ferns.

Chris

[Paul Bell]

It is amazing how some kids actually make it through life.
S**t parents who just seem to spit out kids at will, always demanding their human rights if the kid is removed. Sadly a never ending circle that we always hear about, though usually we hear about it when tragedy strikes.

[Betty Hermelee]

Your review is certainly true; too many kids left out!
Thanks for stopping by, Betty

[barleygirl]

This is one of your best, by far. The best part of this poem is how it's a perfect blend between your straightforward storytelling prose-like core style, but also adding a ton of imagery & artful expressions to soften the harshness of this hard-hitting profile. The key to great writing, I've read from many great writers, is picking an image so appropriate that it conveys a ton in just that one simple image -- saying "trailer home" is just such an image. The last verse is a realistic yet imaginative way to express all the uncertainties that might be going thru this kid's head when she gets dumped with her ex-con dad, but that last line just kills it. That last line reminds us that children are far more mature than we give them credit for, sometimes, & they want the same things we adults want -- autonomy, in particular! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Betty Hermelee]

Margie, thanks for taking the time to analyze this poem so thoroughly, you are an amazing MENTOR! I am learning so much about expression, use of bold language and vivid images just by reading your poetry,
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart...it means a lot!
Best always, Betty

[The Unknown Sith]

I found this to be a good read.