I am middle aged when you mention
in passing
that as a child at Christmastime
you were chased around your neighborhood
by big blond boys shouting
Christ Killer!
Kike!
I’ve known you all my life,
yet you are distant land,
and few years remain for me to touch that soil.
Jennifer usually writes poetry, occasionally writes short fiction. See more at her website.
Beautiful story. Says so much in so few words. Love the ending.
Thank you, Sue W, for reading and taking the time to comment. I’m glad you liked it.
Jennifer
Beautiful and poignant. Such rich images in few words are powerful.
Thank you. I appreciate that.
Jennifer
Powerful, Jen. The last stanza could stand all by itself.
Thanks, Jane.
perhaps because I too am old “in passing” has two meanings. You convey much in few words; very effective !
Thanks, Jerry. I’m glad the double meaning worked for you.
Jennifer
I noticed that, too.
Poignant and honest. Thank you.
Your story inspired me to write a poem this morning. Its sort-of beginning,
Trauma remained like a blackened lightning-scar on one of the old oak’s giant limbs.
Thanks, Matthew
Thank you, Matthew. What can I say — but, again, thank you for letting me know my story inspired you to tell yours. That’s something any teacher or writer (and I do both) would grateful to hear they managed to do.
I am wishing you good luck with your poem.
Jennifer