hollie ash Poems

one time last summer i was sitting at a red light, eleven hundred miles from home. and it occured to me that perhaps i could just sit there forever.

i wouldn't have to pay any bills, or think of anything really. i could just sit there in neutral, literally and psychologically, for all of eternity.
...

she is too young! they whisper behind my back
it is hard to be such a young mother! they declare through pursed lips
how will she make it? they bemoan
she has no job and therefore no future! they predict
...

It is the spring of 1976 and the hard ground is dark brown.
The trees are leafless, and the road is ankle-deep with ruts.
The teal ford pickup, windows and tailgate permanently down, sits idle.
My mom’s hair is brown and long, her smile strained by hard times.
...

i do. i don't. i have. i am.
i was. i hurt. i can't. i can.
i wish. i fail. i plan. i lie.
i get. i give. i learn. i sigh.
...

I awoke at 6: 30AM to darkness, so I sorted photographs and did two loads of laundry.

When the day rose before me, crisp and clear and cool (exactly like you picture an October day to be) , I went out for hot chocolate - 16 ounce, no whip, orange straw - and spent $13.99 at Goodwill.
...

dusty road, hot wet heat
crunch of tires, shade of trees
ticket stub, erect the tent
crack two beers, make a friend
...