family pictures

the lie behind the smiles.

A picture's worth a thousand words

or so they say,

what a load of bull,

at least when it comes to me

and all the pretty pics of our

happy family --

I look at one, and I think,

that's the day I was crying,

scrubbing the sink,

of your mess and stink.

I glance at another,

yes that's the day,

I looked away for a second,

and for that transgression,

I got the whole "what the hell is wrong with you?"

in an all day session --

meanwhile, you were right there too,

and what in the hell did you do?

And there's me smiling

pretty as you please,

when an hour before I was

weeping on my knees.

"Mommy," she cries, as I hold her hand,

"Why can't our family be

like all the pretty pictures

on the wall I see?"

I smile, and I pat her, and I try not to cry,

and I pray for there never comes a day,

she will understand.

 

 

 

Author's Note

yep, you know, it is where I am at right now. This place is a safe place to let it out.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

"I smile, and I pat her, and I try not to cry,
and I pray for there never comes a day,
she will understand."
The poem was powerful. Open the doors to questions. Every life is different. We are who we are because of what we had known. Thank you for the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Lyn Anderson]

I am honoured, thank you.

[Coyote Poetry]

I'm honoured to be able to read your poetry.

[Jon Roggie]

Pictures, ones not staged. A wistful smile, looking out the window. The smile of a child, caught sneaking up to give a hug. The photos not caught by the camera eye, but held ever in your memory. I know you have some of these which you can cherish.

[Lyn Anderson]

Yes, you are correct. Those are the photos that count.

[Matching Socks]

Aww, KL, nothing is ever picture perfect but you girl deserve it, that picture.
The happy one, on the day you all went out for ice cream and you giggled when your scoop flopped over cause you pushed it too hard with your tongue, the day that Prince Charming kissed you (of course he exists but when he finds you at last he'll be your King), the day you did nothing but soak in the bubbles and paint your toe nails, write poetry... These are the pictures I wish for you. For you. Because you deserve it.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you, you made me cry. But in a good way.:)

[Matching Socks]

Aww, I wish I could offer you my sleeve. :')
xo

[Rita L. Sev]

There is always so much more going on than we see on the surface. The pain read in this piece is palpable, and all too common... You write truth with vivid strokes, KL.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thanks a lot for your review.

[Kenneth The Poet]

Perfection is just wishful thinking. Your words say it much better.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate the extended visit.

[Kenneth The Poet]

Not a problem at all.

[Frieda P]

Sigh, I felt this one in my bones...I understand this twisted rhyme too well.

[Lyn Anderson]

I know you do, from both sides. Thanks.

[Rene Salinas]

Broken in desolation and in need of asking someone a question but noone to answer. Relationships are intricate and sometimes the rupture is the only possible way to regain sanity. Fights and discord and negativity will eventually get into the physicallity of those who are part of that nucleus. I was five when my Dad left don't remember a thing but hat was the story I was told. What I can say in your incredibily vivid writing is that happiness is not just a smile but realasation that all desicions we make are trying to be in the best interest of those who we love.

Thankyou

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you, yes, it is hard for a kid to understand that the picture wasn't really true.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Wow, so poignant, so raw, so true. A depiction of the masks we all wear and the gloss we put on life so others will not think ill of us.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thanks. Glad to see you. Frieda thought we ran off together, lol.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

No I was in Iceland, 2000 miles away rescuing my friend who got injured in a cycling accident.

[Lyn Anderson]

Wow, that is quite the adventure. I hope your friend is alright. Perhaps, when it is not so fresh, we will read about it, yes?

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Nah he is ok and hopefully will make a full recovery. It was quite dramatic to have to head off to Iceland but I made the most of it and got attacked by a local in the pub and had to play cool to fight her off lol!