That time, playing in the muck,
foot emerging without a boot,
hopping and laughing
all the way home…
Then, later, on the bus
the impact of the car
the windshield cracking
like a giant spider
blood all over
the dead lady’s face
All in the past –
sunroof open
kids riding along,
music blaring
But trauma is a spider
Arachne reaching into happy places
and as much as I speed up
to avoid her,
fight to disable
her attack;
she weaves herself new limbs,
begins the onslaught anew
And I am stuck in the mud again
no longer limber enough
to dance my way home in the rain.
(The Car Crash first appeared here in March of 2020. Edited for this version. Image my own.)
Lovely
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Thank you!
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Powerful comparison!
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Thanks Luanne
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You are welcome!
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A very powerful use of metaphor.
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Thank you, Liz
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You’re welcome, VJ.
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What inspired you to write this poem? Emotional trauma obtained in youth is hard to release especially involving accidents.
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Typically, my poems emerge from dreams. This one took me back to that day – I was only 9 – and I pondered how it could emerge again so many years later. Thanks for asking.
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“But trauma is a spider
Arachne reaching into happy places” So true. Excellent write, VJ.
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Thanks Jeff
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I find myself haunted often by memories right now. It’s an ongoing practice to stay present. Great poem, VJ.
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You are so right, Susan. Thank you
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This is very well written. I love it.
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Thank you!
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All I can say is wow!
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Thank you!
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Love the spider analogy.
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Thanks, Heather
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You’re welcome.
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Some things can never be left behind. Plus side: some good things can never be left behind, either.
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True!
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Oh so well written
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Thank you
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You’re most welcome
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