Shoots and ladders
In search of my mother's garden, I found my own. ~Alice Walker
Can't hear each other above the sunbursts
nor see each other past the clouds
smeared all over us.
We're on knees in the backyard pulling
at each other as if we're weeds. It's okay.
I'll plant my own garden instead. Spread my legs
and watch the stars shoot into the distance I can't
reach and whisper, “I love you.”
Hear me, daughter, I'll get a ladder.
I won't bring you down.
Linked up with Poets United
oh good lord this is fantastic. whoosh!
ReplyDeleteMarian, you're making me blush. I'm just trying to catch up to you. M, you know you always make me smile. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteNice...trying to move on your own - always a challenge...specially if we used to lean on someone...very bold move...but sometimes our youngsters get on their own 2 before us ...important thought to ponder...thanks LaTonya :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading and taking time to share, humbird.
ReplyDeleteOh, wow, LaTonya, you are such a courageous poet! Love the images and the words themselves. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteA mother/daughter relationship isn't always easy, but it is something that with time, finds each taking turns climbing ladders, helping the other up.
ReplyDeleteI like that it's open, reader can interpret it in different ways. i like it.
ReplyDeleteI adore that ending couplet.
ReplyDeleteI love the imagery in this poem La Tonya. There definitely is a push and pull of mother/daughter relationships. I liked the last couplet...and find in it multiple meanings! Enjoyed the use of the ladder - yet not bringing the other down.
ReplyDelete(Your blog is now on the Poets United blogroll, as requested.)
Filled with: wisdom, love and good intention. I love the flow too.
ReplyDeletesmiles...ok, so you are not holding back...ha...
ReplyDeletecool progression in this...the pulling at each other like weeds
the spread of the legs to plant your own garden
launching stars...ha...nice
Brian, friend, I'm in my middle years. I ask myself, "If now then when?"
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary.
Liz, you know how I feel about you so you know what your words mean to me.
Shay, you know you're my partner in crime, right? lol
Oh, the last two lines are just a magnificent tribute to the song, and here they stand as yours alone. What an amazing poem.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful inner search
ReplyDeleteOh wow LaTonya this is raw, honest, and absolutely extraordinary I love it!
ReplyDeleteThe new prompt is up =)
having two daughters myself... and of course being a daughter..i can absolutely relate.. we had our rough times but they're 18 and 22 now and def. have learned to blaze their own trails as well
ReplyDeleteI love the ending lines ~ I hope to guide my own daughter as well as my mother did with mine ~
ReplyDeleteHappy Sunday ~
Oh this made me tear up--for me, my mother and my daughters
ReplyDeleteAudrey, not always autobiographical but yeah, this one is me, mother daughter. Gratified to hear it resonates.
ReplyDeleteI too love your close, but I really like your opening lines as well. Great piece LaTonya, great take on the prompt.
ReplyDeleteThe age old struggle, with a glorious message, especially in the closing couplet. Wowzers!
ReplyDeleteDaring.
ReplyDelete