Their daughter always had a tummy ache.
The thing was difficult to diagnose.
They'd keep her home from school sometimes; the break
Would seem to do her good. Perhaps a dose
Of mommy time was all that she might need
To lift her spirits, just enough to start
The week, but then they'd see her strength recede.
Again they'd watch her helpless little heart
Go breaking, while their marriage slowly burned
To ash. And then her tummy ache improved.
She'd held it in, all outwardly unmoved.
And that was it. The story of a friend,
A daughter, and a marriage come to end,
Till last night: after fighting in the sun,
I dreamt the story's ending came undone,
As well as that of mine. We fought, and then
I dreamt the girl a tummy ache again.
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Alysa Salzberg
Melissa Miles McCarter
Scarlett Sumac
jlsathre
Matt Paust
Jowita Bydlowska
Salon.com
Comments
You know, this one was the oddest yet. When I woke up and realized I had had this dream -- where someone else's daughter was showing symptoms because I'd had a tiff with my former spouse -- I knew it was going to be a poem. But I still don't understand how I connected the two things.
And yes, it helps, immensely. Objectifying a feeling I don't understand (and don't particularly like) and letting it crystallize into metered verse is almost like blowing a soap bubble on a spring day. Once it's out there, it's just so wonderful to look at.
Thanks for stopping by, as always.
Hey -- we're all looking to hear more about your mother!
I was sure my mom would call me as soon as she got the envelope in the mail. Perhaps tomorrow.