Behind The Iron Palisade Poem by Margaret Alice Second

Bought a nativity scene at bargain price, loving symbols
like this - my friend loves symbolism also - but tattooed
on her body; I prefer to express symbols in words on the
Internet, keeping all wonderful things in my heart, when
I die it shall be part of my consciousness - although my
friend’s will symbolism will be there also - in her mind

Gave mom her birthday present, beautiful paper bought
just to look at, a small bunch of flowers delicate in pink
just like the roses on the package - took my three kids
when visiting: Carine who can’t understand why her
beloved had to die, Nici deploring my taste as kitsch,
Tiaan, driving with great style, wise beyond his years

Looked at my wonderful kids and realised what a large
number of guardian angels accompanied us as Tiaan
lost his nerve in heavy traffic yet space always opened
up; - his grandma loved her presents, looking forlorn
behind the iron palisade as she waved goodbye when
we left after a quiet afternoon at the old age home

Mom played Torricelli’s Serenade on the piano for me,
the nostalgia palpable - when she boldly declared she
did not care as she sold her belongings in order to live
her dream of making a home for the destitute – did she
really mean it - maybe she would think again when she
looks back from her small room at the old age home….

Saturday 6 April 2013