Not Stupid

a poem in iambic pentameter

I once was stupid, so I thought

Until I left my mother’s home at last

And then no one was there to tell me so.

 

Until again returned I, summer tide

And heard her through the bathroom door: YOU’RE DUMB!

The flare up? I had clean forgot a tin,

A garden bucket in the patio

 

Then Tom appeared one starlit night

We spoke of Freud and so much more

And so began a grasp of my bright mind

And Mom? Contrite? She opts to disremember

Author's Note

Thinking of my mom today as she, at 91, is in a cardiac intensive care unit. I've forgiven her for telling me so many times that I was stupid. She loves me and my siblings but it's been difficult to have a meaningful positive relationship with her. I also forgive myself for resenting her. This is a poem I wrote when I was taking classes at Boise State University.

Reviews

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

I literally can't imagine anyone thinking you were stupid in any way Shelley. Your incredible and amazing art reflects otherwise. With an intellectual mind and empathetic heart you paint wonderful poetry with your words. I am sure if your mother would read your work she would see the error of her ways. Your achievements speak for themselves.

[Shelley Warner]

Thank you for such kind words Carlos. My husband helped me to see myself in a different light and I grew intellectually as a result.