I asked Willowgreen
to pick a year for this post.
She picked 92.
I was twenty two.
Head messed up over college
and three different men.
Friend getting married.
Mark wasn't talking to me.
Boyfriend wouldn't change.
I'd graduated.
I reached my goal, the degree,
and I was back home.
I planned all my life
to get that degree; never
planning for after.
I felt so empty.
A good career? The right man?
What would complete me?
No job and no plan.
Exhausted. Parents fighting.
I wanted escape.
I packed up and moved
to the edge of the Midwest
with my then boyfriend.
Nine months together:
a studio apartment
and twin bed for two.
I did some temp work,
took long walks alone at dusk,
called Mark from pay phones.
Nine months together:
Boyfriend and I were finished.
I flew to Mark's arms.
Still always thinking:
if only Boyfriend would change,
life would be perfect.
In a new city,
thousands of miles from my home,
I started anew.
Two hundred dollars,
no job and no place to live,
my friends carried me.
I found more temp work
(soon a job with benefits)
and a room for rent.
Spent time campaigning:
A different Clinton against
a different George Bush.
Ended ninety two
in a very different place
and in the same place.
In a new city,
thousands of miles from my home:
quite a different place.
What would complete me?
Three men and no career plan.
My mind hadn't moved.
E-mail or comment
if you want a year -- you don't
need to haiku it!
What a wonderful way to tell your story. I pick 1995.
Agreed--great story telling.
I think I would pick 2000.
Now that’s a wonderful idea for a ‘Ku … and I learned so much about you! ‘My mind hadn’t moved!’ Powerful and has my mind spinning as I reflect on my own life.
Hugs and blessings,
In 92, I was married 11 years and had three sons. I remember working, completing the degree I started in 79 and wondering if I should have a forth child.
Wow!
I'm just . . . wow. That's beautiful.
This is fabulous! Like Storyteller, I love the conclusion:
"My mind hadn't moved."
Great poetry. I hope you feel more complete now.