changing places

because it has to go somewhere

I want to be a little girl again

down at the river

and watch her bait my hook

while she laughs at the silly child

too prissy to get her hands dirty.

 

I want to be almost grown again

sitting on her bed

reading poetry out loud

all through the night

as if she knows the roads

I would one day travel.

 

I want to take her hand

and walk with her

through adventures not yet shared

because she shouldn't have

to travel there alone.

 

And while I sit distracted,

hesitating in the curves of memory

her weak eyes focus

on a hilly horizon

where he stands waiting.

Author's Note

I wouldn't be the woman or the poet I am without the gifts she gave.

Reviews

[KUFU]

A tear jerker for me for some reason. I think of my mother as a little girl for some reason as I read this poem. The sentiments are soft and reflective...a trademark of your written voice for sure. When you cast these heartfelt poetic spells Ema, I must consider you graduated with high praise at Hogworts! ;-)

[Leaner Pastures]

The way you brought us from childhood to the present gives the poem real movement and life, all the while keeping a reflective eye on the past. I like the way you shine a light on the little things that seem to pass by, yet form fundamental memories that we only realize later, baiting a hook, reading poetry out loud or simply sitting and enjoying time in the evenings of our life. The ending evokes a feeling of recognition that despite how important someone may have been to us, they too have their special people, waiting for them on that "hilly horizon".

[Jibey]

I'm not sure I fully understand it but it has a haunting and pleasing feel to it...

[Bhavya Kaushik]

Oh! This was so beautiful and heart touching. We all have that one person in our life who changes the entire course of it by being just a part of it.
Loved the way with which you ended this piece, it left me in thinking :)
It is always a pleasure to read you.

[KUFU]

The figure on the hill is ominous indeed...an entreating Wooden Hoarse you've included here!

[Gandré]

yes you have this .... I have an expectation then I'm suprised at the end of yr sophisticated lyric poem....

[Alicante lullaby]

lovely,i wish i could get your rhyme,really,and the poem was sweet,it was like some distant violen tune,,

[Touché Armada]

Makes me think I should go shoe shopping, the gravel roads eat up those soles. Lovely write.

[AK]

Beautifully written! Way beyond that actually, but that's the only way I can describe the impact of this piece.

[Sorry Infamous]

A great poem of rememberance....
wonderfully written.