My mom’s trauma was real. To her
Under My Father’s Feet
My mom‘s trauma was real
To her. She lived tormented
from imaginary wonder-beasts
who followed her in nighttime shadows
but left her daughters unharmed.
My dad protected us. Swallowed
her screams whole.
The sword of desolation
always catching in his throat,
As he’d stifle his sobs
against the wooden staircase
beneath our rooms.
He loved her
In spite of the psycho wards,
In lieu of the twilight visitations
from the antichrists –
who frightened her so much
she’d run straight out the door.
And yet, when the clouds broke,
she arose from the rain splattered
garden dirt, unsoiled.
Delicate and remarkably whole,
like her favorite Lilies of the Valley
she’d stand still in the storm
until all trauma and mud
washed clean the ground
under my father’s feet.
pattyv
Remarkable depiction of psychic trauma (and the calming presence your father brought), Patty. Lilies of the Valley are my favorites too.
Very moving depiction of what she and you and your Dad went through.
Thanx for your lovely poetry Patty, I feel I understand your family dynamic as you describe it with its joys and sorrows.
So glad you’re sharing your stories with us on Retro!
You are an amazing poet, Patti. You capture what was a true trauma for your parents and you. Beautifully written.
This captured both the frightening psychosis and the beauty of the person experiencing it, as well as a loving partner. Wow. I’m sure it has not been easy for you to heal from the trauma in the family, but your poetry is amazing.
This was a very powerful poem, Patty. So glad you have started writing for Retrospect again.
You express your ode to your mother and father beautifully, Patty. Your mother’s pain and your father’s patient endurance as a protector come through clearly and poignantly. Thanks for sharing this.