JAILBIRDS
by Dianne Moritz
She is alien to me now,
This woman who bore me.
We speak as strangers,
Politely discuss her trip,
What we’ll eat for dinner,
Who died, the movies
We’ve lately seen….
Guarded, defensive,
Like jailbirds: tense, edgy.
Walking in the yard,
Out come concealed
Weapons. "Tell me,"
She says, "was there ever
Anyone you truly loved?"
"Oh, yes!" I answer,
Secretly counting the days
Left of my sentence.
* * * * *
Dianne Moritz writes poetry and children’s books from her home in
Southampton, NY. Her book, 1, 2, 3 BY THE
SEA, was on Bank Street College’s “best book list of 2014.” Adult pieces
have appeared The Drabble, Adelaide
Literary Magazine, Haikuniverse, The Haiku Foundation, 101 Words, Writing in a
Woman’s Voice, and others. She is a frequent contributor to Highlights Magazines for kids.
My dad and I, same thing: jilted expectations.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry, Mathew...it is painful.
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ReplyDeleteDianne - again so very vivid! I could even hear the rhythm of the train's wheels on the tracks trying to take you to a very different place in your young life. But, here's your blessing....all you went through, all you experienced is shared by gifted you so others can help you heal as you help others who are scarred to heal as well! Beautifully done and so brave to write!
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