Monday, November 8, 2010

Strangers

      The following poem was written in response to a prompt from the blog One Single Impression and the lovely Jingle for Monday's Potluck at Jingle Poetry.

Sticky graham cracker crumbs
decorate the boy's round face
and he reaches inside his overalls
to stash some for later, presumably.

A redhead.
He looks mischievious enough to be a "Dylan"
or possibly an "Oliver"--the angelic smile
and intrusiveness as he grabs
the laces of my worn out Nikes
and pulls.

A lethargic woman in an a juice-stained dress
bends to scold.
Not red.
A mother? (No, she seems too patient)
A caregiver, maybe?

Her disheveled head lifts toward me
she gives me an apologetic shrug
While her fingers dig in her knock-off clutch
for a quick ransom

Upon delivering a dented Matchbox car
she purrs in his ear,
"We don't play with stranger's shoes..."

Strands of hair have come loose from her ponytail
and encircle her face like a halo,
floating independently of one another
revealing maternal haste and practicality

Averting my eyes politely, 
I stare at the graham cracker shape
left on the carpeted floor.

An awkward silence.

I become acutely aware of the sound
of sighing and wheezing from one of them
(Leftover from a winter cold, perhaps?) 

The blinking numbers rise steadily.
After a brief pause,
our trio is saved by the "ding" of the bell.

I step out of the elevator
into reality
While marveling at humanity's complex nature
And curious interactions
with red-headed boys

I will never know their names.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

So thrilled to see you in with Jingle Poetry.

your poem is perfectly constructed,
keep it up.

no need to know their names, you are divine.
xxx

Anonymous said...

lovely..

Shashidhar Sharma said...

Step out into reality.. I liked the way you have painted the journey upwards... I enjoyed it so much...
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya
Twitter: @VerseEveryDay
Blog: http://shadowdancingwithmind.blogspot.com

Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis Hall said...

http://thursdaypoetsrallypoetry.wordpress.com/2010/11/08/my-sister-lives-too-far-away/

awards 4 u...
have a lovely Wednesday ...
hope to see you next week.
xxx

Anonymous said...

great poetry.rolled off the tongue. nice job!

Amias (ljm and liquidplastic) said...

I love prose, especially when it tells a wonderful story, mixed with the complexity of human personalities .... this is good --- I love seeing through the observer's eyes, while watching what is being observed ... you captured my attention, made me pay attention to what was being imparted, and amused me at the same time ... thank you.

Amias (ljm and liquidplastic) said...

By the way, I love Templeton, he reminded me of a teacher I had so long ago ... being old, I can't recall his name, but I do recall that he had a personality like Templeton.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous to the hilt; I love this a lot.

Anonymous said...

Loved reading this, it was a spellbinding little story!

If it were my poem, I might consider leaving out that last line????

Olivia said...

Very thought provoking.. :)

Nice captivating story indeed..

What is with the Owls at the left..? I love these birdies a lot!

Love xx

Olivia said...

Thank you so very much for your participation at Jingle Poetry potluck... with the solid support you give to us, we are able to keep going in the coming weeks.
Blessings fly your way, hope you well. Look forward to seeing you again.
Always, your talent is recognized, keep writing.
Cheers!
xoxox

Anonymous said...

How r u? It is a lovely day, I am pleased to be here and give my gratitude to you for your love at Jingle Poetry. Week 11 is open NOW,
You are welcome join us for another week of fun, old poems or poems unrelated to our theme are welcome.
Let me know if you need further assistance.
you are the best!
xoxox