The First Memory I Ever Had.

I do not speak of this to make you feel bad for me, my words are ment to make you think of the little ones that need set free.

My first memory was at a young age,

it was the tender age of two.

My step father was in a drunken rage,

my mother’s body he then threw.

 

Her body slid across the trailer floor,

her head hit the cast iron stand

of the Singer sewing machine by the door,

glasses flew as her head did land.

 

Everything seemed to happen so fast,

the home filled with strangers to me,

neighbors pulled me from my mothers grasp,

alone, like a ghost they don't see.

 

I never did see my mother awake,

I couldn't beleive she had died!

This was all too much for my heart to take.

In a strange bed that night I cried.

 

Two days had come and went, my mind a blur.

Yet, no one came to comfort me.

Through the curtains an image, my eyes unsure...

...my mother, but, how could this be!?

 

 

           I learned he'd knocked my mother out that day,

 they thought I would not understand.

By time I learned, too much time slipped away,

 

the damage would be deep and grand.

 

No sting of death within me will you find,

as if that part died that day.

Never underestimate the child’s mind,

never forget to stop and say,

 

"do you understand what happen today?"

Silence can’t make it go away!

I could see everything they saw that day,

up until they took her away.

 

By the time my mom held me oh so tight,

I’d digested that she was gone.

I have lived inside my mind sence that night,

I am stronger now, but it was wrong!

 

~Melody

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reviews

[Fréyjä Helv..]

A real tragedy it is, and at such a young age could cause a traumatic impulse to a child who's mind may not be strong enough to accept an incident as intense as this... I get what you're trying to convey. Though a young child's memories could be blurred at some moments, they still get flashes of visions... Children understand no matter how young, they can sense sadness, fear and anger. It's an instinct I guess.

[Lisa Ring]

A sad truth about childhood. What is done cannot be undone. A child finds ways to understand the events of which we do not speak. Very powerful.

[Kimberly "Melody" Carne..]

Yes a very true story, my mother never knew I remembered this, thought I was too young, until I describe the clothes she was wearing and the hexagon shaped thin metal glasses that flew from her head and broke. She never owned a pair like it again. this left her shocked and in tears that I really did remember every little detail of that day.

[Emily Dickinson Jr.]

this was so terribly sad. It's horrible for anyone to have to experience. In my opinion if you worked on the rythme a bit this poem could become legendary.

[Kimberly "Melody" Carney]

I have worked on it, you'll see the changes I have made.

[Emily Dickinson Jr.]

excellent!!!!

[Kimberly "Melody" Carney]

This poem is true to my heart and any suggestions I will take to make it better. Many poems I write how I want them, I will never change them as my words mean more than "the rules". This one is different.

[Freedom's Child]

Incredible piece with an incredible message. The emotion was so intense and awesome, you did an outstanding job of putting the reader in the moment.Wonderful!!!

[caroline]

I really get the feeling from this of loss, terror and abandoment. I also feel like I get a glimpse into the world of a childs mind and how much youg children digest

[Allen Smuckler]

Very heartfelt and poignant write Melody. It really is amazing how trauma can cause such vivid memories....but remembering from the age of two, is profound. I liked your rhyme scheme which allowed the poem to flow in a melancholy way while the cadence pounded out, what felt like a death knell to me. A terrific and powerful write. Melody
I'm assuming a true story.
allen

[Kimberly "Melody" Carney]

Yes a very true story, my mother never knew I remembered this, thought I was too young, until I describe the clothes she was wearing and the hexagon shaped thin metal glasses that flew from her head and broke. She never owned a pair like it and it left her shocked and in tears that I really did remember every little detail of that day.

[Coyote Poetry]

A very sad poem. I do believe we remember the bad thing that happen in our youth. Kids who get use to violence. Create walls of protection. I did like the ending. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[felioness]

A horrifying tragedy imprinted on such a young mind...what a burden you carried.

[Leslie Philibert]

You describe a very tragic, but alas not uncommen situation of domestic violence, and by your poem focus attention to it, a very noble thought...

[Bobbie Coelho]

Very poignant, Melody. Your poetry reveals so much pain in your background, and shows the strength you have inside.