Alexander’s never known you and yet
he swears he loves you. Vows to follow
in your footsteps – you who never shared
those fleeting baby days. Only his name.
You, who never bathed him in the sink
or buried your cheeks in the talc-powdered
folds of his dimpled chin, wept at the gate
on his first day at school and when he left
for Uni, thought the world would end.
His hair brown, his eyes blue, by the way.
I’ve grown frazzled at the edges, unlike you
who never age, looking out from that silvered
frame. Hard to take, us not growing old, side
by side. That cocky smile of yours mocks me,
says, “See you next Spring,” as does that uniform –
steel-shanked boots that walked away. You who
shall ever bask in the summer of your youth,
would do well to remember times change.
If you love him, show him a different road
and not the one you chose, for all our sakes.
Comments
MistakenMagic | November 6, 2008 - 16:26
'I’ve grown frazzled at the edges, unlike you
who never age, looking out from that silvered
frame.' - I loved these lines, and indeed the whole poem. I'm sure there are many people in this position - too many.
Magic xxx
tcook | November 6, 2008 - 16:53
This speaks volumes in very few words. A real tour de force.
littleditty | November 6, 2008 - 18:43
excellent -a moving story Tina, unfolded beautifully to a powerful ending - a mother's story, the mother's character develops in the slight variation of her tone - super poem xx
Silver Spun Sand | November 6, 2008 - 19:05
Yes, Magic, I do believe you are right. My grandson has just started with the ATC - the Air Training Corps. His father was in the army until a few years ago and it seems to be in his blood. Although he says now that he has no intention in joining the armed forces (he's thirteen at present) because neither of his parents want him to (nor me, I hasten to add), in the end he will do what his heart tells him to.
Thanks for reading, and I am glad you got something from it.
Tina xxx
Silver Spun Sand | November 6, 2008 - 19:06
Tony - many thanks for your encouraging words. Much appreciated:-)
Tina
Silver Spun Sand | November 6, 2008 - 19:07
ld - your appreciation of the poem as usual, spot on. Thanks for reading and for letting me know you enjoyed it.
Tina:-)x
cjm | November 9, 2008 - 16:26
How clearly you tell the reader who the father was and yet you do it in such a subtle and stylish manner. ...the uniform and steel-shanked boots.
Very touching.
Silver Spun Sand | November 10, 2008 - 11:13
Cjm - thank you for your words. Much appreciated.
Tina