Monday, February 18, 2013

* One Year Ago Today *


I find it hard to believe that it was one year ago when I wrote the following poem and posted it on my blog, February 18, 2012. At the time, it was Untitled, but later I named it "Daddy's Girl."

I'd been seeing prop planes everywhere I went, whether walking or driving, and that particular afternoon the words just came to me. I sat at my laptop and this is what I wrote:


Daddy's Girl


I strolled along the pavement,
the sound of quiet surrounding me
like a quilt. The stillness was deafening
until I heard the engine of a prop plane 
flying overhead. Pausing and shading my eyes,
I squint and watch it putter across
the powder blue sky.
Memories flood my soul,
immediately tugging my mouth
into a wide grin.

The next day I walk the 
same path. A distant cardinal chirps,
most likely believing it's already spring.
Why shouldn't he?
These past few days have been nothing
but glorious.
Just the calendar page declares
it's only early February.
I turn, searching for his brilliant crimson color
among the vast bare branches
but my eyes cannot find him.

I notice the sky is full of vapor trails.
Those wispy, cloud-like streaks also 
carry memories for the child within me. 
I think back. All those years ago.
The newness of jet airplanes and the
thundering explosions of sonic booms.
My dad explaining the magic & mystery.
I close my eyes, and for a moment
I'm standing motionless in my front yard again.
Staring up, marveling at the sight above,
taking it all in and thinking as profoundly as
a five-year-old possibly can.

Blinking, I hesitate for a moment, then
become aware of my present surroundings.
I begin my walk back home.
Tomorrow. Maybe tomorrow 
I'll return to the same path,
thinking back and I'll
reminisce once more.
Sentimental journeys.
Always bittersweet.

©2012 Becky Povich



Although I'm amazed that I wrote poetry, what's even more amazing is that it was a breakthrough day. From then on, I began to write more often, felt more confident, and had very little writer's block. 


If you're not familiar with my love of prop planes, the following post will help.
http://beckypovich.blogspot.com/2012/02/nostalgic-sundays_19.html



* Welcome to my newest follower Pat. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! * 







"I don't believe that life is supposed to make you feel good, or make you feel miserable either. Life is just supposed to make you feel." -- Gloria Naylor

13 comments:

  1. I remember reading that post. You're right. It sure doesn't seem like a year ago.

    Pat
    Critter Alley

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  2. I remember this poem well Becky. As you know, I have a cute little plane that I look at every day now. It's my muse and it inspires me to fly. By the way, as I reread this poem I realized what a good poem it is. Hope you make sone time to write some more. You're good at it.

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  3. Well thank you, although I'm not really a NEW follower- just a new email follower ;) Thanks-- and lovely poem.

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  4. I'm so glad you shared this again, Becky. I missed it last year. Wonderful poem!

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  5. I remember when you first posted this, Becky. It is great to know that after you did you finished your book!

    Kathy M.

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  6. Oh wow! What a wonderful poem :) I love old prop planes, too. They're just so cool.

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  7. I remember the poem well.

    And I'm glad it broke through your block, too!

    =)

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  8. How good your poem was a breakthrough for you, so you are writing more. I am new to writing poetry, and think it is very freeing to write in this genre.

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  9. I like your poem very much. Thanks for sharing it.

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  10. Thanks, everyone! I really appreciate your comments!!

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  11. Awesome poem, Becky. I always admire someone that can write poetry that doesn't rhyme. I can NOT do it.

    Kathy

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  12. This poem is beautiful. And meaningful indeed. How wonderful that it took but one to really bring you into the world of poetry.

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