Dad said it was old spyglass from the war
(the same war where his feet were frozen
sitting in a foxhole).
Sis and me took the spyglass,
becoming invisible voyeurs
in our neighborhood.
We hid behind barns,
perched on rooftops,
peeped in windows,
never knowing what we would see,
giggling with girlish delight.
We saw Mrs. Green
didn’t look so hot
without all of her make-up.
We saw that Rev. Thomas
read more than the Bible
(and loved looking at pictures too).
We saw that our friend Billy
liked to look at himself in the mirror…
and when we caught him measuring THAT
we fell on the ground in fits of laughter.
One day we saw Mr. Hill knock Mrs. Hill
to the floor.
She landed right on top of her prized ivy plant
(the one she bought at the five and dime)
She was crying and he just kept hitting her.
Their dog started barking.
We wanted to help,
but what could two little girls do?
Suddenly we didn't want to spy anymore.
We walked away quietly
and gave the spyglass back to daddy,
telling him that it reminded us of war.
That was the first time we realized
that some wars are not fought
on a battle ground.
That was the first time we didn’t feel
like children.
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Comments: 21
Yes, you get the point across quite well -- sometimes we see more than we want to see.
It is always hard to witness things that made us grow up before we should have had to grow up. very emotional and great write.
thanks for sharing
wow powerful is an understatement for this poem
Wow, Cheryl.....what a very powerful, intense poem......yes, how very true........that sometimes we do see more than we want to, or should, see. This is just very, very emotional. An excellent poem!
Cheryl, I am wondering if this is based on your experience. Some things open our eyes to the wonders of the world, others make us grow up faster than we should (or might like to). Your poem tells the later perfectly. Thank you.
Chana...yes, this is a true story from my childhood.
This poem was like a rollercoaster ride. The joys experienced in the first part set the mood that allows us to feel the distress and dispair that befell this two girls. Well done.
This narrative poem has a intense and well painted moments. One of your best works. Perhaps your own reflections are making this perfect.
hurt heart
Haunting.
alas, we do see more than we want to, haunting yet hauntingly lovely my poet friend
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poison
Featured in the Triple Name Club.
wonderful slice of life, you always make it real, good and bad a like
How sad that when you're a child you feel powerless to do anything to help.
Thanks for posting to my group, Anythingwriting
Chilling~ I don't know what I would have done. I despise men who abuse their wives and women who do the same. Powerful poem here, dear. Thank you.
Wonderful poem about what kids do, never knowing what they might get into . Sad they sometimes grow up way too fast, knowing way too much about the mundane side of life, they might never experience themselves, all by accident.
Fantastic! A dark and chilling poem, it investigates the grim secrets that people hide and how their public faces do not often correspond to the wars that they wage in their private lives. I love the uncompromising honesty and the powerful comparisons you draw between the nature of these respective wars. Thanks for sharing with The Poet's Circle.
Cheryl...great poetic story related with style and grace with relatable "kid's feelings. Thanks
Lovely layers unfold until the harsh reality sets in at the end. Pinpoint portrayal of the loss of innocence and references to wars. Excellent write!