© 2019 Barbara Grace Lake
At five when asked what’s wanted most
She’d never answer knowing that
Adults who ask would simply laugh
For children never know their minds
She’d never answer knowing that
Adults who ask would simply laugh
For children never know their minds
But I could answer now for her
That lonely child who couldn’t say
She’d want her father home at night
Both parents snug her tightly in
That lonely child who couldn’t say
She’d want her father home at night
Both parents snug her tightly in
When asked again the child was 10
She wouldn’t answer knowing that
If more than book t’was way too dear
Another year, another day
She wouldn’t answer knowing that
If more than book t’was way too dear
Another year, another day
What would I answer for her now
That girl away in boarding school?
She wanted more than life could give
A home in which to live. A home.
That girl away in boarding school?
She wanted more than life could give
A home in which to live. A home.
At sixteen when her mother asked
She wanted clothes, the latest styles.
Her gifts were seconds, last year’s rack
Not fitting quite her size or life
She wanted clothes, the latest styles.
Her gifts were seconds, last year’s rack
Not fitting quite her size or life
When an adult the questions stopped
All felt they knew her mind quite well
She had career, they could not guess
What she’d most want if they should ask
All felt they knew her mind quite well
She had career, they could not guess
What she’d most want if they should ask
Someone to love, someone to stay
A home, a home in which to live.
So woman married, children came
A life ideal thought all she knew
A home, a home in which to live.
So woman married, children came
A life ideal thought all she knew
His roaming feet made mockery
Of sanctity and marriage vows
Alone again, the questions rose
What will you, can you do alone
Of sanctity and marriage vows
Alone again, the questions rose
What will you, can you do alone
Near ninety now, a life endured
Through heartache, blessing even love
Though not again a sensual kind.
Her needs the same as when at 10
Through heartache, blessing even love
Though not again a sensual kind.
Her needs the same as when at 10
Someone to care, someone to stay
A home to share in which to live.
Now home she shares with caring child
Those final questions answered, done.
A home to share in which to live.
Now home she shares with caring child
Those final questions answered, done.
September 20, 2019 at 2:12 am
wow…..very emotional for me to read. so very well done Barbara.
LikeLiked by 6 people
September 20, 2019 at 3:26 am
Thank you so much for reading and understanding it, Wendi. It was very emotional for me to write.
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September 20, 2019 at 8:20 am
We are never asked the right questions, are we? Not that we could ever answer them anyway…
I could feel the sadness leaking from every line, Barbara, and recognise it too…
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September 20, 2019 at 4:59 pm
Thank you so much for reading and understanding. I appreciate you.
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September 23, 2019 at 5:50 am
A life come full circle. A well constructed poetic journey – sad, yet, in a way, comforting.
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September 23, 2019 at 7:08 pm
Thank you for reading and understanding, Chris.
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September 23, 2019 at 3:30 pm
A brave retrospective.
It’s a long road, and it’s curious how the view looks so much different from here, looking back down the hill.
When I think of the child within, I leap from the wonders of childhood to a long period of stagnation and wasted time.
If only I had awakened sooner.
Alas, the past is thoroughly gone, and I’m glad about that.
Seek peace,
Paz
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September 23, 2019 at 7:09 pm
I doubt there is a person alive who doesn’t look back at even a part of their childhood with a certain amount of bitterness. Yes, like you, would that I had awakened earlier. Thank you for reading and posting.
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September 23, 2019 at 7:29 pm
Barbara, as if you’d closed your eyes and painted words with the depth of your feelings and experiences. I salute you for this magnificent piece. Blessings, dear friend.
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September 23, 2019 at 7:50 pm
Lance, my dear friend, praise like this coming from you is, to me, like an author winning a Nobel prize. Thank you for reading and so understanding me. Thank you.
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September 23, 2019 at 7:52 pm
Barbara, well deserved. You’re an exceptionally gifted writer. Blessings, dear friend.
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September 29, 2019 at 4:30 pm
Very emotive and well written piece. No matter want age we all yearn to feel loved and valued.
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October 5, 2019 at 9:31 am
Amazing poem! I could feel the raw emption.
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October 7, 2019 at 12:15 am
Bitter sweet & so relatable to all of us. Life can be heartfilling & heartbreaking…
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November 22, 2019 at 7:52 am
Yes it can, da-AL. Yes it can.
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