Janice Canerdy Poet Quatrain

Notes About The Poem

I wasn't told all the details of the conversation between Mrs. Janie and my

parents. Since the man was quite old, legal action didn't seem the wisest

path to take. Due to their kind protectiveness, I wasn't traumatized for very

long; I proceeded with a normal childhood. These events occurred well over

fifty years ago. I do have fond memories of Mrs. Janie and her grandkids.

Her daughter and my mother were--and remained--close friends.

 

 

 

The Lady Down the Lane

My childhood memories—some clear, some vague—
come to me unexpectedly at times.
A scene, a sound, a fragrance brings them back.
They weave their way into my simple rhymes.

Mrs. Janie was our neighbor. She would smile
and speak when I walked by. Her voice was kind
and soft, her smile sincere. My memories
of her are welcome, sweet, and well-defined.

Her grandkids, all my siblings, and I played
together in both yards on pleasant days.
These times, though, aren’t the major reason why
today I still give her the highest praise.

One day my mother noticed I seemed scared.  
I told her I’d been touched in the wrong place.
I said Mrs. Janie’s husband did this--once.
The shock and anger showed in Mama’s face.

Some wives in this position can’t believe
such claims. Mrs. Janie did, and she would see
he’d not come near me—ever. She expressed
concern and aided my recovery.


March 24, 2020, entered in Craig Cornish's Lady Down the Lane Contest

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Gershon Wolf March 25, 2020 at 8:08 PM Absolutely shocking!... So glad Mrs. Janie had guts! Superb penning, Janice. Warm wishes Gershon Janice Canerdy March 25, 2020 at 8:22 PM Thanks so much, Gershon. Janice

Ilene Bauer March 25, 2020 at 4:25 PM you've told this story in perfect rhyme, janice, and your feelings towards Mrs. Janie are beautifully rendered. i'm glad you included the note and am relieved to know that you were not traumatized by this event...

Vijay Pandit March 25, 2020 at 7:50 AM She was a classy lady--after reading your poem I can picture her kind persona towards others--her husband not so much, but I'm sure she taught him a lesson. All the best, Janice. Janice Canerdy March 25, 2020 at 8:28 AM Thanks so much, Vijay. Yes, she was a classy lady. Janice

Jenish Somadas March 25, 2020 at 12:39 AM Unfortunately, child abuse is going on everywhere.. Mostly from close relatives.. And most of them never come up and speak.. You did well in life and in writing.. Good luck in the contest... Janice Canerdy March 25, 2020 at 12:49 AM Thanks so much, Jenish. Janice

CayCay Godwin March 24, 2020 at 11:41 PM Sometimes people respond to my emotions in a poem which is sweet but say not one word about the poem itself so I'm going to do both. As first, I was reading 'sweetness' with perfect rhyme, flow and grab and then that same perfect ink saddened my heart but also grew my faith with its ending. This poem was the whole package. I needn't ask if you're okay cause I already know you grew up to be wonderful. Poetry hugs ... CayCay (good luck in contest and all else) Janice Canerdy March 24, 2020 at 11:57 PM CayCay, your kind words have made my night. I do SO appreciate this moving comment! Janice