What Sort of Child

Pray tell, who tore the neighbors’ flowers out?
What sort of child fell madly on their bed?
Surely one unruly and ill-bred!
What had it been that made this child pout
and then go out and ever dare to flout
the rule of being mannerly – to shred
those pretty blooms? Found out, she homeward sped.
She stood accused. The neighbors had no doubt.
And did this little girl’s heart fill with guilt
for her misconduct? She could not deny
what she had done. Why had such wrath been spilt
on flowers? Soon all knew what went awry!
Her father’s disregard had made her wilt,
so flowers felt her rage. I know. ‘Twas I.

Aug. 1, 2020 
for the 'STRAND COMPLETELY NEW (16),any form,any theme' Poetry Contest
(a story related to me by my mother because I was so young I do not remember this!)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

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Watt Avatar
August 3, 2020 at 11:47 AM
Join the club my friend. Great poem, by the way!
Watt Avatar
August 3, 2020 at 11:46 AM
Hm
Babcock Avatar
August 2, 2020 at 4:35 PM
Well written sonnet Andrea. love phyl
Roper Avatar
August 2, 2020 at 2:51 PM
Twas I. I am told ever so often by my mother and siblings of something I did when I was young.. and I wonder did they make it up :( Love the feelings in this one. Good luck in the contest
Canerdy Avatar
August 2, 2020 at 2:36 PM
Such a well-related, descriptive story, Andrea.
Brewer Avatar
August 2, 2020 at 9:18 AM
A vivid tale that has the power of first hand witness. Your honesty rouses understanding and acceptance, Andrea. A very touching poem.
Lawless Avatar
August 2, 2020 at 4:53 AM
I talked to the dandelions ... They tell me that the flowers love you and are glad you found poetry
Krutsinger Avatar
August 1, 2020 at 10:47 PM
We do damage after we feel damaged. Empathetic write Andrea.
Laurie Avatar
August 1, 2020 at 9:46 PM
Crikey Andrea ... the sonnets you write are so good to read and the topics are of day to day people I can relate to - thank you once again Andrea - Lindsay
Theraven Avatar
August 1, 2020 at 9:03 PM
Andrea, So this story of wanton destruction, and not of the noodle variety. And your mother said you were the culprit?!? Captivating story just the same. -Richard
Watt Avatar
August 1, 2020 at 6:28 PM
A great Italian sonnet from the QoS. Love the story and the ending. Tough rhyme scheme you handled so well. GL with Brian
Ball Avatar
August 1, 2020 at 1:39 PM
If that's all you ever did you were an unusual child. I remember going on vacation and asking my next door neighbor's daughter to water my garden while I was gone. When I returned it looked like a bunch of gophers had a war in my garden. My iris's and hollyhocks were ripped to shreds. Seems she got into a fight with some boys and the rest is history. The boys ripped up my garden because she told them she was in charge of it until I got back. Great write here. God Bless, JB
Dietrich Avatar
August 1, 2020 at 4:17 PM
actually, it was pretty much all I did wrong!! Except for sneaking treats upstairs to eat late at night with my sisters! Before my mom remarried, it was just us four girls and mom says we were so well behaved she never had to worry at all about us!
Bauer Avatar
August 1, 2020 at 12:35 PM
a wonderful description of this event, andrea, with a fantastic ending that caught me by surprise...
Dietrich Avatar
August 1, 2020 at 4:18 PM
Love that it surprised you! My dad was mentally ill and I loved him so much, but I guess I finally just couldn't take his ignoring me any more!
Rose  Avatar
August 1, 2020 at 12:12 PM
We remember so well at times what we do and other times their memories fill us in, lol, well described Andrea, I hope your keeping well, haven't been present in quite some time, so its nice to read your work again, Hugs xo
Dietrich Avatar
August 1, 2020 at 4:18 PM
thanks, and for stopping by. Keeping as well as I can anyway!
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