Monday, September 6, 2010

A Dark Safe Place

An order to clear out
is given
discard, reorganize a
graveyard of evidence

Lifetime not forgotten
a lifetime ignored
lived not too long ago

Neatly in piles
each box a decade
childish, childhood memories repressed
buried in parchment

Barbie's friend Whitney,
brunettes not worthy of THE name,
sits in her car
57 Chevy convertible
turquoise, pink interior
better than a red Corvette
gently shielded by a veil
her friends all in boxes

Drunken engagement present
decapitated
wedding day Barbie
the others sit pretty tucked away
between
toys of rebellion
feminist anthem

Jars full of doll parts
faint scent of flowery
incense
prayer beads,
barbed wire
decor of my day

 A pile of things to burn
old pictures
claim they're all strangers
deny their true roles

Tired in--of every single picture
glassy eyed wild hair
smile hides heartbreak
first to burn on the pyre
yearbooks

Present day belongings
grownup's trophy case
dinnerware, glassware
waiting for their day at the ball
not being used
never heen used
place card holders
ok to use
linens, toil prints, damask
have to assure my guest of that
in a stern sweet voice
guarded with a smile

Set aside the old
they'll find a new home
bury the keepers
a new tomb
a dark safe place
visited only to relive
chosen moments


(c)Mayra O. Armetta
published in Skipping Stones, Vol VI
Mindworm Press, Chesapeake, VA


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