From city to seaside
the youngest of 12
Often lost in the menagerie
Pleased when alone
Unnoticed if well behaved
brought down heavily when
not
Our Mother with to many chores
to be caught
and a father who almost lost
himself in wars
And yet
friends were fed tomato soup
and grilled cheese
Then left alone to our gossip
and giggles;
Then too
the smell of baked bread
chicken on Sunday
cream of wheat
Star fish on the beach
high tides and sand fleas
Then
follow the rule
"out of the house by 16"
No exceptions
face forward
to
life number two
"ellecee"
Imaginery Garden with Real Toads
Real Toads ~ Where do I Come From?
Day 25
Whew. This is filled with sorrow, sadness, beauty, hope. And your title is perfect.
ReplyDeleteThat final rule really came as a slap... sounds almost unbelievable for me. To build a life of your own at 16.... the childhood sounded like it was filled with both sweetness and hardships.. (it felt a little bit like a faded postcard)
ReplyDeleteOh wow...16...is so young. Love the tides and sand-fleas!
ReplyDeleteSounds like there was a certain pattern that needed to be followed in your growing up days. Love the dramatic final thought that there was a second life waiting for you - like an alternative.
ReplyDeleteVery nice response Ellecee
ReplyDeleteHave a good Monday
much love...
Oh my, what a large family. Grilled cheese and tomato soup were my staples too. Sixteen, so young.. Thanks so much for sharing your roots and writing for the prompt!!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautifully heartfelt write..! Big hugs.
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Sanaa