Aunty Elsie's Bathroom

Freeverse

It can be quite amazing
to an older mind that's stretching back.
Do these memories tell the truth?
Or are they somewhat distorted?

But three times in a few minutes?
In that bathroom at Aunty Elsie's house?
Sometimes I grasp my right hand with my left.
I seem to be saying, Cease, quit! Stop that at once!

Do not wriggle or jiggle with temptation
to hold that private part of me.
I seem to be pondering on those times,
wondering what this hand wishes to achieve.

Why did she have such an interesting son,
that older cousin David, in those teeshirts and sneakers,
showing me how to climb trees
and hide in leaves, and do things?

Amazing, yes, as thoughts reach back
to so many years ago.
Did I really do that in Aunty Elsie's bathroom?
Three times in a few minutes?


(27 Dec 2023)
(Elsie appears in two other poems: "A Rubbing of Hands" and "Coronation for a King")

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

growing up we did some grown up things before we really understood them.
j.

[Andrew John]

Typically a Jacob comment - nonetheless welcome. Thank you, J.

[Chris Shaw]

A confessional. I seem to remember the locked bathroom door in my youth, hid some secrets too. Three times though in a few minutes. That is competing with the speed of light :)) What a flash back.

Chris

[Andrew John]

Thanks so much, Chris. Oh, life can be fun!