Ivory Scarf and Pink Sneakers

by Maple Tree   Mar 1, 2018


Expressions rage cross my face
while fingers tap away on counter tops,
time bombs within my life have been
unbearable, still I stand within puddles;

before my feet.

I wear protection like a crown
shrouded by stubbornness,
because how else could I survive;

In this city.

Nobody knows my child is dying
(unless I tell them), as they stare at me,
while wiping their child's nose;

I want to cry.

Strangers assume I'm happy
while I shuffle through these streets
adorned in an ivory scarf and pink sneakers,
I'm not the only mother who aches
so bad that her nails sting from anxiety...

but I sure do feel alone.

I'm gutted, empty and helpless
and yet I continue to walk by old churches
that haunt me, wave hello to bank tellers
and help little old ladies across the street;

because it's the only way I'm going to
get through this nightmare alive.

    report violation
13


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Latest Comments

  • 6 years ago

    by Em (marmite)

    Judging Comment - Ivory Scarf and Pink Sneakers by Maple Tree points 7 - here we have another episode in what seems like a nightmare yet instead it's someones real life and that life is someone so beautiful yet someone that has gone through so much rubbish recently and still holds their head up high and makes time to help others who she deems less fortunate than her, I really like Andreas spirit in this and the fact that she holds even herself together.

  • 6 years ago

    by Kitty Cat Lady

    Judging comments:
    This heart-wrenching piece from Andrea tore me to the core. A painful description of trying to navigate life while the worst thing that could possibly happen is actually happening. It is every parent’s worst nightmare realised and the line “I’m not the only mother who aches so bad that her nails sting from anxiety” really expresses the visceral pain. Much love to you and Robyn and I hope P&Q helps you feel a little less alone x
    =^.^=

  • 6 years ago

    by Ren

    Congrats on your win, Andrea <3

  • 6 years ago

    by Hope

    Creative poem

  • 6 years ago

    by C Cattaway

    Really beautifully written.
    Congratulations on the win.
    Catherine x

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