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A Memory Without Silence
Rewriting Memory
She used to have this beautiful long jet-black hair
It’s one of my earliest childhood memories
She used to comb it right in front of the mirror
And then she’d wear other little accessories
There was one time when she didn’t say goodbye
She later confessed she didn’t want to hurt me
But at five I didn’t understand the drama
When my momma had to go to another country
For four years I received presents, letters and calls
She was working and trying to provide for me
But when the threat of war was quickly approaching
That’s when my momma finally would send for me
Perhaps my disorder didn’t let me see
Later I understood the sacrifice she made
And maybe yes, she should’ve given me a hug
But she too was young and was probably afraid
In an old memory I wish for one embrace
The one that assures a child, all will be okay
Now as an adult every time I cuddle her
My little baby soul feels right and bright as day
About This Poem
Style/Type: Structured: Western
Review Request Direction: Is the internal logic consistent?
Review Request Intensity: I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back
Editing Stage: Editing - polished draft
Critiques
Lavender
1 month 4 weeks ago
A Memory Without Silence
Hello, Wally,
Tender poetry. I think writing this from your adult point of view gives the poem such depth and perception. Very nice!
Thank you!
L
Wallyroo92
1 week 1 day ago
A Memory Without Silence
Thank you very much Lavender.
Now as a parent, I understand what she went through. Those years were tough on families, leaving children behind in search of better lives. I can't even begin to imagine all those lonely months/years until the entire family was reunited.
John Leslie O'Kelley
1 month 4 weeks ago
A Memory Without Silence
It sounds as though you've been through some rough times. You mentioned disorder in your poem. I understand the power of disorder and hope you've found peace despite the terror time inflicts on us. What a wonderful poem, just remember to buckle your seatbelt when life's experiences take you for a ride!
Wallyroo92
1 week 1 day ago
A Memory Without Silence
Thank you for reading and commenting John.
Yes, growing up I knew there was something with my social skills and lack of ability to convey emotions. Autism wasn't really a big diagnosis in those days but later (as my oldest son was diagnosed) I began to understand it.
Even now as an adult I try my best to engage, show emotion, control anger/frustration and process thought. It's a character trait in my family, so in a way I think it helped me deal, especially with a civil war.