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.
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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!