Cacti and Summer Showers

to the topic "Where I am From"

In the beginning there were

Dirt roads and kangaroo rats

A propane tank and creosote bushes

And forever there will be cacti.

 

“There’s a storm coming…”

Stand outside

For the first summer shower

The dusty plants in the living room feel no rain.

 

“Come inside, Pixie,” Grandma calls

Pouts and crying faces

Where is mommie? J.J. asks

“I luv you NayNay” �"and she’s gone again.

 

Fill up the swamp cooler with water

The heat is visible

The doggy door lets in the cats

That come and go as they please.

 

Truck pulls up, dirt like a cloud

Uncle Vince home from a trek

A long journey never truly ended

Elusive Grandpa Ray fights a battle with in himself.

 

Broken Barbies, flattened balls

Cats chasing rats that will live longer than they will

I slept underneath a window

That let in air at night that made me shiver.

 

In the end there were tears

And saying goodbye to myself

Mommie faded, the ghost of now

… And forever there will be cacti.

Reviews

[anne p. murray- LadeeAn..]

Incredible write. Very captivating in nature of a childhood that seems to be sad, poignant and oh so real