when the world was new (and so was i)

"all is possible," mommy whispers, tucking a curl behind my ear.

eighteen years later i realize she only meant in that moment

and that moment is long past,

almost forgotten, save the subtle scent of lilac

and the fantastic hope

[she could be right].

 

i faintly recall saffron summer days

where i was amazed at the way the trees

were portals to another land

and the feel of their bark upon my hands

was sublime...

transporting me to another place,

another time.

 

the feeling of prickers (almost beautiful)

in the lines they left against my skin,

for their ragged tips were markers

of my journey.

and the dynamic quest i held within.

 

"all is possible," mommy assures me, pushing on my boots

as i press down, wrapped in mittens and earmuffs

and cocoa kisses.

little did i know she meant in that moment

(and that moment is long faded)

save for the lingering wisp of memory

and the marshmallow way

she hugged me.

 

somehow the feel of snow slipping inside my boots

-so uncomfortable- at the time

brings forth remnants of giggling abandon.

snow in hair, falling into eyes,

snow snow everywhere

*sparkling* with the sunshine.

 

"all is possible," mommy whispers once more into my ear,

noting the dark shadows beneath my eyes.

little do i know (this next part)

is up to me,

and if i could only see the magic in the trees

i could try again.

-this time with an appreciation-

for the prickers

against my skin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reviews

[Phil R Jacobsen]

somehow the feel of snow slipping inside my boots

Fantastic. I grew up in the San Bernardino Mountains and it brought back quite a few memories. I mean, I know it's about a mother and daughter but I could still relate without questioning myself too much.

Phil

[Charles D. Moorer]

Beautifully done. Unfortunately, we all have to grow up.

[Enigma]

One of the most beautiful and most poetic piece I've ever read.The season's could not be described more beautifully.When I read about summer, sweat trickled down my face.When I read about the pricklers, I could feel something prickling my hands. Wehn I read abou the winters, I shivered stitting in my seat. These lines really did flew me away from my place and I landed in a world where you were taking me to places and telling me about the memories they've made with you. It was all very peace-ful, very beautiful.
This is definitely going into my favs....
FANTASTIC JOB!!!

[Melissa]

Anything seems possible with a mother's warm hug and love. The joys of a young life, like the feel of the tree, the snow on the face. Though it would seem life's journey changed a bit towards the end, "dark shadows beneath my eyes" yet a mom still giving strength, reassuring that even in that moment, "all is possible."

Lovely write, full of personal reflections no doubt and a journey.

[Barbara Walker]

The imagery is so strong in this poem and I really feel that magical time when what is said to us is taken quite literally. This poem has such a gentle feeling to it, yet expresses what a herculean effort it is to make anything be possible. Barbara

[Darksideofman]

Again your imagery is so powerful I feel as though I were right by you in this time of your memory. You paint a picture that warms the soul and enlightens the sences in one who reads your powerful words. Again I will read more as I am able to do so.

[Richard K]

This one almost made me cry. I believe in you so much and all is possible with purpose.

/endcorniess

[zig]

this has a magical quality, but youth is like that, especially memories of youth. you seem to have a mastery of sublties, quite effective. enjoyed much. zig

[Kelly A. Brown]

This poem is fantastic! So sad, yet so realistic. Very well done. ;)

[eli mercuree rue]

funny how the world hits us
or not the world but its inhabitants

the repetition of the mom's words
is a constant drawback to reality
and the strength of an innocent mind

how simple would everything be if we were capable of living with appreciation and passion for this beautiful place we call home..

i agree with the other reviewers

[Lynn Mariposa]

I love "When the World Was New"...it is so rich in imagery and emotion, and magical in the way it is able to vividly recapture the inner world of a child. Grin* Also conjures memories I had...like how leaky those fashionable moonboots were in the winter! My Mom always put plastic bread bags over my feet to keep them dry :) Keep up the good work!