PPC 4

The Visit - Week 38

She sits on the edge of the bed
strangely serene,
rhythmically tucking white hair behind her ears.
Her eyes look beyond me.

I tell her my name again.
She tries it out,
twisting her mouth in exaggerated shapes
as if learning a new language.

The search for recognition fails.
She is bewildered,
but acquiescent to my claims
that I am her baby sister.

The one who remembers her stories.
The one who remembers
the teen with the saucy flip
of thick, chestnut hair

who went to school wearing a striped blouse
with a plaid skirt only because
she was told they did not match.
Authentically fearless

this girl, so determined always
to meet life on her own terms.
I know she is there still
even if I cannot reach her.

I caught a glimpse of her today
wearing a mischievous smile
a moment of joy at the thought
of a striped blouse
and a plaid skirt.


Written for "Promptly Poetry Challenge (2023-2024)" 

Week # 38

STRIPES
Poem should be inspired by the prompt/image in some way
A minimum of 12 lines, no maximum
There are no form requirements
Your submission must be newly written for this week's prompt