Complicated

Today my senior students asked me

Where’d you go to college?

They figured out the timeline 

and they knew my second bachelor’s

did not line up

with the pictures of my travels 

I was caught.

And for once in my life

I would love 

If personal questions weren’t complicated.

Where are you from?

Well I grew up in Ohio but I live here now.

Oh how was the move from Ohio to Rhode Island?

Oh there were many steps I took between the Buckeye state and the coast.

The place I liked most was Chicago.

The wind tore through my preconceived notions like a Walgreens umbrella.

What did you do for Christmas? Easter? Thanksgiving? New Years Day? 

Well my husband and I were home, on our own.

Where’s your family? 

They don’t live here.

Why is that?

Well you see...

We’re deconstructing from toxic family norms,

Fundamentalist religion that takes on many forms

Desperately needing distance

We started our own thing

How I wish these easy questions didn't engulf me

With the emotional polar vortex 

That is complex ptsd

So I lie. 

Author's Note

I'm new to all this and this is my first piece. Be kind, please. ;)

Reviews

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

I love it and a wonderful first submission. You tell a wonderful story in this piece of poetry that touches on many aspects of your life. What to reveal to those curious minds and what is best left unsaid. In ways it speaks to many of us who have lived a bit of life and are asked similar questions by those younger and interested in our story. A great start to your library of work and looking forward to more of your art. Welcome to the community and always remember to never stop writing.

[EJ Florence]

Thank you so much, Carlos. I really appreciate your words.

[Ken e Bujold]

You have set the bar high EJ. Life is indeed complicated, and you have captured the way in which we snare ourselves

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

I only went to year ten in high school in 1974 so no university
So times have changed we never asked our teachers about their life back then
I really liked your poem a lot and welcome to this writing site I know you will love it the people are friendly the coffees hot n strong !

[EJ Florence]

Thanks, Julie! I'll bring the whiskey for those tough writes!

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

Whisky n poems mmm never tried
Sounds studious
You Welcome