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Four in '99

I was four when I partied like it was 1999. Didn’t know what Y2K meant— thought it was a new kind of Ribena. Mom said the world might end, so we had fish fingers and Angel Delight like it was our last supper. She danced in the kitchen— hip in one hand, remote in the other— Prince on the telly, sky outside grey as school uniform. She said, “If the world’s going to blow, we might as well boogie.” So I did— in jelly sandals, on sticky lino, thinking bombs were just what happened in cartoons. The grown-ups were worried about computers— I was worried about monsters under the bed. Same thing, really. I built bunkers from sofa cushions. Told my teddies we’d be safe. Asked Mom if I could stay up ‘til midnight to see the sky explode. She let me— even though it didn’t. Instead, we counted down with paper hats, party poppers, and a bowl of Wotsits big enough to survive the apocalypse. Prince said life was a party. Mom made it gospel— taught me the sacredness of silliness. She sang with her eyes closed, as if she could out-sing war. As if dancing could un-plug the world’s doom switch. And maybe it could. There was a lion in her pocket too— fierce in her softness, roaring through a tinny tape deck. She had a knowing in her sway, like she understood what purple skies meant long before I did. Now I’m older, and every headline feels like a countdown. Still, I keep Ribena in the fridge for emergencies. Still, I dance— barefoot on carpet, arms full of invisible glitter, like I’m four again and nothing bad can touch me while the music plays. If the world ends again, I’ll dance. I’ll think of Mom. I’ll play that song— loud enough to shake the windows and remind the sky that we were here, dancing, as if forever still mattered.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025




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Date: 6/19/2025 2:34:00 AM
Aaliyah I loved reading your poem! It was like a trip down memory lane! I remember jellies too! Your mom rocks and of course she produced you, a talented poet! Thanks for supporting my contest and congratulations on your win!
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Date: 6/18/2025 3:04:00 PM
See what I told ya, be patient the accolades will come...2 winners in a week. Loved this Aaliyah hope you see how much you are appreciated
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Date: 6/18/2025 12:20:00 PM
I actually worked in IT, so if the world did end, it would have been partly my fault - lol.
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Date: 6/18/2025 12:19:00 PM
Beautiful poem - what a poet you are! I like "grey as a school uniform, If the world's going to blow, we might as well boogie", and the beautiful final stanza. I remember 12/31/1999, when my son was 7, going with him to see a magic show. The world may end soon, I can believe it, but it's been about to end for awhile. I was 4 when "hard rain's gonna fall" was released.
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Date: 5/24/2025 12:05:00 PM
Aaliyah you’re too funny! "I was four when I partied like it was 1999" that one~ you had me at the first line. Back to the Poem Of The Day..I see where you got it from a lovely mom, please don't let life's worldly stuff get to you, we'll be, the world will be here longer than we think. Congratulations to a very imaginative poetess! I Am Anaya
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Aaliyah O'Neil
Date: 5/25/2025 1:36:00 PM
I’m glad you enjoyed that line—it’s a playful nod to a memorable time. Thank you also for your kind congratulations; I truly appreciate your support, Anaya.
Date: 5/21/2025 1:39:00 PM
I can relate to this, seems to speak to me of mental illness. Love your twists and turns -
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Aaliyah O'Neil
Date: 5/24/2025 8:32:00 AM
Thank you so much, Paige—it's truly great to hear from you again. I'm really glad the piece spoke to you on that level. Your ongoing support means a great deal to me, and I deeply appreciate your thoughtful reading.
Date: 5/20/2025 10:48:00 AM
This felt like a song I did not want to end
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Aaliyah O'Neil
Date: 5/24/2025 8:31:00 AM
That’s such a lovely thing to say—thank you. I’m truly touched that it had that kind of effect on you. It means so much to know it resonated so deeply.
Date: 5/19/2025 7:23:00 PM
Aaliyah, tl;dr (kidding). What a knack you have for making the mundane in life seem like such a curio shop's dream. I can tell by all the comments how you've impressed. I know I am. -Richard
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Aaliyah O'Neil
Date: 5/24/2025 8:31:00 AM
Thank you, Richard. It’s genuinely great to hear from you again. Your comment made me smile—I'm glad the piece struck a chord (even if it was a long read). I really appreciate your thoughtful words and support—it means a lot coming from you.

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