In 1987, I wanted to play in the creek,
catching frogs and wishing the street lights would wait another hour.
I wanted to keep a jar of lightning bugs by my bedside,
and name each one after cartoon characters.
In 1987, I wanted Tammy to be my friend,
I wanted to be important to somebody;
find a way to burst the soundless bubble that caged me
away from parents too young to see their recklessness.
In 1987, an Irish band sang With or Without you
and I wanted to know what love felt like.
I dreamed of beautiful girlfriends I would never make my wife,
because in 1987, I was too afraid to be kissed.
In 1987, I wanted to go to county fairs
instead of hospital waiting rooms.
I wanted to watch, for as long as I could,
until my innocence, like a balloon, disappeared from view.
I wanted to believe in a Heaven
where I would never say goodbye to anyone,
never again watch ailing flesh
turn cold and gray.
In 1987, I wanted her to beat cancer.
I wanted to know my grandmother
better than an 11 year old could.
In 1987, I wanted it to be 1986
again.
5
favs |
1487 views
12 comments |
201 words
All rights reserved. |
The author has not attached a note to this story.
In memory of Jean Salley... my Grandmother.
That's poignant. What an eleven year old could want. U2, the grandmother. Nice.
Thank you, Marcy. Honesty tends to write itself :-)
Bravo! Fave.
Beautiful poem. The ending is killer. Yes, bravo.
*
(I'm obsessed with architecture. Could you make each stanza four lines?)
Advice taken... Thank you.
Bill Y. pointed me to this gem. I like it too, Bob. Nice work. *
Really sweet and honest. I like the delayed approach.
Thanks Summer! I appreciate the comment.
Loved this: "I wanted to watch, for as long as I could,
until my innocence, like balloons, disappeared from view."
Perfect. Well done.
i really like this one a lot
I really like the way this builds. Very touching!