Losing Everything: Prose Poem

Wednesday Prose Poem Prompt: the fear of the child

for my daughter

There’s always going to be more thunder, little girl, chasing the light away — the sound of shrieks not far removed from kitchens of detriment — yeah, I remember that too —

and I lost and you lost and everything turned to shit — a full sink with no water no soap no movement at all — still dishes are added, piled alongside — and the tiniest noise shakes it all, Pollocks this place — it’s a mess alright

Thunder can’t hurt ya, little girl — and I’m still striding on my way to you — long legs barely attached, I know but walking —

and I want to be the painting you need — more than the fragments of arms around you — and the terror of losing everything — I remember that too — so don’t shut off the lights and cry — there’s room here for the both of us — and the coffee and apple juice and the ravens and your horse —

Little girl — you’re alright you’re alright, brighten, live — and let the noise sweep you away — the thunder, it’s so very far away.

J.D. Harms 2022

Prompt:

We were all, at some point, a child. Some of us may deal with the anxiety of a childhood that ended far too early and attempted to reclaim that freedom as adults (I have my hand up); some of us felt too old as soon as we took our first breaths; others thoroughly delved into the beauty of play and curiosity. And, still others of us, never truly left our childhood anxieties behind.

Then, for some of us, we became parents of children. In parenthood, I think some of us become conflicted about the ways in which we once were children; all of the sudden “responsibility” (and not play) becomes paramount and our own fears transfer to the kid(s). I adore my daughter, sad though I am for all the ways in which I’ve seriously complicated her life. She stands as a bright light in my head, no matter what she’s struggling with.

For this prompt, write either about anxiety/fears you’ve carried with you since childhood, or those experienced by your own child/ren. As always, tag me in it.

Read on, rock on!

In case you missed it:

*And we’re back to the classic format! Remember, you may freely submit poetry/prose poems that do not respond to prompts now!*

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