Home Alone
When I was five
in a winter storm
wind screaming
snow smacking windows
my mother knelt down
eyes bright blue
lips rose red
you must be a big girl
take care of your brother
I'll be right back
the closed door echoed
my brother immediately fell
into a paroxysm of wailing
dissolved on the floor
I tried reason, comfort
I tried to reach him
he howled like a wolf
alone in the frozen tundra
unable to make him stop
dissolved on the floor
I howled like a wolf
Diane Belleville
I cannot imagine how hard this was being made soooo responsible as a 5-year-old. I understand why you would howl as a wolf. This poem really affects me.
ReplyDeleteThis poem has had a profound effect on me, Diane. Breaks my heart. Beautiful piece of work, but so so sad and visceral.
ReplyDelete