LIVING IT: Pen-Less

LIVING IT: Pen-Less

Pen-Less

Pen-Less

After not placing in the writing contest I said
Ok then, there you have it, I will never write again
I stay pen-less for an hour before
Someone’s expression catches my eye
Causes me to remember the pursing of my mother’s lips
The smell of her lipstick mixed with Pall-Malls
A little bourbon

They are going out
She,in a dress of ocean blue taffeta
That crinkles as she walks
There are pearls around her neck
She has black suede wedges on
High heels that enthrall me
She has grown so tall

May I go too, I ask
No, this party is for grown-ups
Mrs. Williams will be staying with you, though
Mrs. Williams smells like lilacs
Her voice is soft; her arms open
I wear yellow pajamas with feet
We have popcorn before bed and a story

I hear her come down the hall
Open my door ever so gently
See the light spill over my covers
I have been banging my head on the crib
Sucking the edge of my blanket
It’s all right, she said
Everything’s all right

Remembering this, I must catch it in words
Net it in an array of sentences, make it live
Are you there?
In my room where the golden moon
Hangs in the blackest of skies?
Do you hope with me then, that everything is all right?
If so, I have written

Joy Arnett
2-13-10
Portland, Or