At eleven, we were hollow-stemmed, yellow-haired flowering weeds,
all taller than the boys,
chained around a crab apple branch like thaw drops.
We were departing swallows
quicker than afternoon;
smug with our lessers, cowed by our betters,
kites with cat-tails, casting for a clue.
Want to go with me?
Say no, say yes, say no, say yes!
Whatever they said, it would be years before we felt this power again,
at the high arc of a cycle of seasons,
calling the steps, knowing the music would change.
___________
day 16
for Rommy's "Fun and Games" prompt at Toads.
I loved the Sadie Hawkins dance when I was a girl. I love the way you describe the feelings we had back then. Tottering on the brink. I enjoyed your poem so much :-)
ReplyDeleteCute interpretation of the prompt. We didn't have Sadie Hawkins dances, mine being an all-girls Catholic school. I imagine it would feel just like this to a young girl, enjoying that small taste of power when the roles were reversed.
ReplyDelete"we were hollow-stemmed, yellow-haired flowering weeds"
ReplyDelete"chained around a crab apple branch like thaw drops"
Good heavens, Shay. If I were an English teacher, it would be an honor to present metaphor and simile leading with these beyond-brilliant examples. I can't stop reading them. You've got a standing ovation from me, to say the least.
You are on fire this last while. Superb.
ReplyDeleteThere's enough truth in those lines to break a heart. Just gorgeous, lady.
ReplyDeleteGirlhood! Have you SEEN the Florida Project? DO!
ReplyDelete"smug with our lessers, cowed by our betters,"
Read it three times and delighted in it more each time. Had to close my eyes and remember...
ReplyDeleteYou packed so much into your opening line. I love your approach to the game playing theme.
ReplyDeleteyou just love to ring roses around us? don't you?
ReplyDeletes'okay, makes it easier to just take them and loft them, allowing for the cascade at your feet ... 🍃🌹🍃
The Sadie Hawkins dance was unknown down here, of course – but I love the way you have shown it to me.
ReplyDeleteWhat a dance this is--I say no--I say yes--I say my word, this is good.
ReplyDelete