When I was but a wee child,
two or three or more,
I dreamed that I could fly like a butterfly.
Over the mountains,
on wings of adventure
I sought out branches of laurel
and like a fairy,
I crowned my head with a ring of joy.
High above, when the clouds
up in the sky began to darken, began to cry,
I wished, at ten or so, that I was as small
as a mouse, so that I could scamper
into the rhubarb patch
and hide beneath their umbrella-like leaves,
munching on their juicy red stems,
making mouse-like noises.
Early in my teens,
when I’d grown into a young girl
I wanted to pass
for twenty-two, or twenty-three.
Like bubbles in champagne,
I dreamed of tickling my fancy, buying new clothes,
and I started acting like I knew
far more than I did.
When I grew up,
had children of my own, I dreaded birthdays,
wished that I was younger,
though, in truth, I didn’t want
to go through it all again. Still I had
no doubts about my husband nor my children,
just that none of the mirrors
had any saving grace.
Having reached a certain age,
wiser and more sure of myself,
no longer do I wish for, covet, or dream
about things that once held positions of regret.
The person that I am today
is comprised of all the things I’ve done and
seen and been. Is there anyone who can say
they have such a friend?
wonderful poetry, a confessional poem, vividly narrated with chosen phrases..many can relate with this poem.. enjoyed.. aw
Wahab Abdul...apologies for being so late in responding with my thanks.
Also being a lady of a certain age, I can relate to this - a very wise write Jackie, well crafted.
Valerie Dohren, apologies for being so late in responding with my thanks.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
How masterly you have traced the different stages of human life till a 'certain age'! In verse four a conflict of human mind has been depicted. We are satisfied with the present but at the same time we suffer from nostalgia. Life is full of conflicts. Your poem is realistic and inspirational.
Thank you for your appreciation of my poem.
Thank you, most kindly, Yasmeen Khan for your generous comments.