Lycia Harding Poet Rhyme

A Square of Silk

When I was small, I loved to hear my mother sing
It's int'resting, the things that we repress
Today, I can't recall a verse,
I just recall the lies
We'd been estranged for years when I learned she had died
and I arranged to see her only then
 
My childhood home was full of ghosts and boogiemen
Would they rise from the box she'd put aside?
Just wedding photos. Nice surprise,
it could have been much worse
A smiling bride. What writhed beneath, no one could guess
She'd held my father hostage with that ring

She left to me the house, this box and one more thing -
a square of silk cut from her wedding dress 
I pull it, folded, from my purse
and with it, dab my eyes,
then lay it in the box, which I close tight to hide
my troubled memories away again

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Richard Colbert February 27, 2022 at 3:05 PM I am just now reading your poetry. It is all well written and relatable. This one in particular. As you responded to Richard, I too am quite certain that there are many people who have had "problematic relationships" and did feel relief and a bit of guilt for feeling relieved. Thanks for this. You are one of my favorite PS poets. Rich Lycia Harding February 28, 2022 at 2:52 PM Thank you, Rich. xoxo LyLy

Gary Radice May 27, 2021 at 6:24 AM This is superb. Beautifully written. It kept me enthralled to the end. Cheers - Gary Lycia Harding June 1, 2021 at 10:24 PM Thank you, Gary! xoxo LyLy

Richard Lamoureux March 26, 2021 at 6:30 AM I’m amazed I am the first to comment. This is beyond excellent. I felt deeply moved as I read it. When my dad died I felt a heavy burden being lifted and a sense of peace/relief. I know that sounds insensitive but none the less it is still true. Again, great poetry. Hugs Rick. Lycia Harding April 5, 2021 at 10:22 PM Thank you Rick. I'm sure more people than one might think have felt just that way about the death of someone with whom they've had a problematic relationship. Your ability to acknowledge it proves you genuine.