I Remember...

I remember the pond
with brambles and bushes and trees all around.
I remember the Top Woods,
the Bottom Woods, too,
just copses,
but to the child that I was,
they were forests mysterious
where wild animals roamed
and monsters lurked.

I remember the meadow
where horses grazed
and cows chewed their cud.
I remember the wall where my initials were carved
in stones so ancient they breathed,
I remember the path
moss covered and soft,
a great place to run,
a highway of dreams.
I remember the child
that resides in me still.
I must find her again
to soothe and to comfort.
She really was good
despite what was said,
the scolding,
the smacks,
the belt that left welts in the flesh.
But more I remember the words
with barbs sharp as spears,
You're lazy, a dreamer.
You'll never be more than a lackey.
What did I do to give birth to one such as you?
I forgive you my child
for wrongs accused but not true.

I prefer to remember the pond
with brambles and trees all around.
I prefer to remember the woods
where wild animals roamed
and monsters lurked.
I prefer to remember the meadow,
the wall of natural stone,
the path, moss covered and soft.
I prefer to remember the child
who resides in me still,
the child that I love,
the child that was precious and good.
The child who refused to shed tears,
who, instead, bit her lip until bloody--
The child who grew up to be me.

Vi
©June 9, 2005