Wednesday, April 13, 2011

3WW: Evident, Illusion, Tragic

Choices

Her agony was evident
in her slouched shoulders
curving like a quarter moon

protecting the child
of her depression.
She aimed her arrow

at the kid whom she imagined
had insulted her then picked
up her books and fled,

her illusions trailing
behind her like dandelion
fluff. I looked at the rest

of the class and they
were just as confused.
Innocent eyes stared

back at me. I should
go after her, let her talk
about her tragic life

but there are fifteen
other kids waiting
for me to teach them.

"Open your To Kill
a Mockingbird book
to page 238" I said,

instead.

7 comments:

anthonynorth said...

We can only do so much, can't we?

Sheilagh Lee said...

Sheilagh Lee said: so sad that someone can say open your book begin reading I'll be right back and check on the child.

Altonian said...

That's life in all its truth. Those who most need help are left wanting.

Anonymous said...

Your writes always left me wondering .. amazingly said .. sad for the hurt one .

Unknown said...

This is so sad and holds so much truth. A difficult situation for all to be in.

Jae Rose said...

'the child of her depression'..one of those magical phrases that is a whole world..I would like to know the words on page 238..and also love how you have re-invented 'dandelion fluff' such a wonderful phrase..Jae

Mr. Walker said...

This was moving. As a teacher, I identified with wanting to help, but understanding the choice made by the speaker. And I think you well capture the pain of depression, one that is insular, where thoughts betray.

Linda's Poems