Linda Kulp Trout

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Wondering

Recently, I realized my mother has never told me much about what I was like as a baby. The only thing she ever told me was that my father would put me in the closet when I cried until I eventually fell asleep. The other night on the phone, I asked her to tell me more, but it's been over fifty years and many babies came after me. She said she really couldn't remember anything. Funny how after all this time, I just now started wondering about it.

Today, I wrote this in my journal. Is it the start of a poem or just random thoughts? I'm not sure. Whatever it is, it still needs work. Suggestions and comments are welcome and appreciated. : )


Wondering

My mother never talks about
what I was like as a baby.
Anytime I ask she says
I don’t remember.


The only story she tells
is how when I was little
my father used to put me
in a dark closet until
I cried myself to sleep.
She says he hated hearing
me cry but when I ask her
why—

she just says
I don’t remember.

My father wouldn’t
have to worry now
(If he were around)
I NEVER cry

anymore.

I wonder
if it's because
somewhere deep down
inside—


I
remember.

4 comments:

  1. Linda,

    What you've posted here is definitely more than random thoughts. I believe you have a poem-in-the-making.

    You might consider telling more about your mother, your mother and you, what your mother has forgotten/says she has forgotten. Those are just some thoughts that came to mind right after I read "Wondering."

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  2. Great suggestions, Elaine. I want to make it more poetic, but I'm not sure how yet. Your comments are always helpful.

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  3. Lovely, Linda! I like the two repeated I don't remembers, though I think I'd like three even better.

    And I wanted more specifics (while keeping the poem pretty short, though)--she never cries even when what happens? A brief list of really specific things would be cool. Or maybe instead of never crying, the narrator could be uneasy in the dark, even as a grown-up. That might feel less stoic and more appealing to a reader? Not sure--just an idea.

    Fantabulous twist ending. You do those superbly!

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  4. Laura, thanks. I hope you know how much I appreciate your suggestions. I'll do some revising and repost this one sometime.

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