It so happens, I am tired of being a woman.
And it happens while I wait for my children to grow
into the burning licks of adulthood. The streaks
of summer sun have gone,
drained between gaps into gutters,
and the ink-smell of report cards and recipe boxes
cringes me into corners. Still I would be satisfied
if I could draw from language
the banquet of poets.
If I could salvage the space in time
for thought and collect it
like a souvenir. I can no longer
be timid and quiet, breathless
and withdrawn.
I can’t salve the silence.
I can’t be this vineyard
to be bottled, corked,
cellared, and shelved.
That’s why the year-end gapes with pointed teeth,
growls at my crow’s feet, and gravels into my throat.
It claws its way through the edges of an age
I never planned to reach
and diffuses my life into dullness–
workout rooms and nail salons,
bleach-white sheets on clotheslines,
and treacherous photographs of younger me
at barbecues and birthday parties.
I wait. I hold still in my form-fitting camouflage.
I put on my strong suit and war paint lipstick
and I gamble on what’s expected.
And what to become. And how
to behave: mother, wife, brave.
–originally published by Wicked Banshee Press. Issue #2 Fall 2014.
____________________________________________
This wonderful poem was submitted by Trish Hopkinson, who keeps us all (including me) in the loop of where to submit, open mics, call in shows and answers writing questions.
You can also connect with Trish on Facebook and Twitter 🙂
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Published by theval2000
Valeri Beers is from Bangor, Maine. Her first book of poems titled ...details... was published by Thomas Hill Publishing of Maine. Her second book of poems and haikus titled Scratching The Surface was published by Underground Writers Association also of Maine. Beers is working on a 3rd book of poems, haikus and a few short stories. She is inspired to write by listening to music and her need to remember important things. She has been published in a number of anthologies including Literature Today, Qutub Minar Review, Clockwise Rain and Our Day Of Passing (compiled and edited by Ingrid Hall and Franco Esposito. She has also been published in online and print publications including Zest literary magazine, Far Away literary magazine, Kumquat Poetry and The Writer's Drawer.
One of my favorite poets is Erica Jong, check her out at http://www.ericajong.com. Her poetry is very personal, emotional and detailed. She has influenced my work a lot so if you like my poetry, you'll probably like hers as well. Dorothy Parker is another favorite. If you like sarcastic and clever prose and poems, I highly recommend reading The Portable Dorothy Parker from Viking, which has her short short stories and poems.)
You can connect with Valeri on Facebook (facebook.com/valeribeers) or Twitter (@theval2000)
Valeri Beers also takes poetic care of Poetry Pasta and the PoetryPasta Facebook page. Poetry Pasta loves to show off new poets and their words :) Feel free to post your poems on the Poetry Pasta Facebook page or submit them to the Poetry Pasta Wordpress page :)
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Glad I stumbled over here. Enjoyed the poetry!
We’re glad you stumbled over here too 😀 Stumble over anytime! Thank you for enjoying the poems 🙂
Thank you for your comments!
Trish I love this poem “an age I never expected to reach” – absolute truth!
I’m reading this poem for an interview on a Utah radio station on Thursday this week. It’s one of my all time favorites that I’ve written. Thanks for reading!
Reblogged this on Trish Hopkinson and commented:
My poem “Waiting Around (after Walking Around by Pablo Neruda)” was published on PoetryPasta today as part of their Women’s History Month series. Special thanks to Valeri Beers for posting it!
Breathless and uncompromising. A voice of a poet and the banquet of words carefully chosen to divulge the corners of our lives so often painted over. A poet of non gender a woman of high esteem. It so happens I really enjoyed discovering this Poet.
Franco Esposito
Thank you for the beautifully written poetic comments. I’m truly flattered and honored. Thanks to both Valeri and Franco!
you are most welcome Trish 🙂
me too 🙂 – Valeri Beers