you've gone...
I see you young and glowing. Sunlight hair. The faded photographs betray the spark of endless possibilities in your eyes.
A 14 year old Mona Lisa. Even then, never giving up too much of yourself. You were melancholy mystery.
***
When I visit, you wring your hands. The endless pacing makes my head spin. The blisters on your lips shine like smooth quartz.
And you say you need the pipe.
You say it is all lost.
The lines in your face are like ripples in water.
***
When I see you in my mind's eye, you are young again. We go to Marcado Del Sol. We eat Chile Rellano at Adrian's. You take pictures of me, so awkward at 12. I feel like melancholy mystery. Like you. Your corn silk hair shines. The camera clicks and flashes. We had never hugged but sitting next to you in the Jeep, speeding down the highway I felt...embraced.
You said "clean" was a good word for it. You felt cleansed.
***
Mama and me on my 15th birthday. You made fondue
and chocolate covered strawberries. We drank pink champagne. Before I fell asleep, my head still light, you said "Trust no one."
***
I know when I leave you will rock up. I stay a little longer even though I know it won't matter in the end.
***
Mother in her Nieman's suit, placid smile...
***
Mama screaming in the night. Susan left you and I cleaned the blood from the hallway.
***
Mama bringing gold and silver balloons from the party. You woke me up to talk so late. The champagne was sweet on your breath.
***
Mother wandering the streets in your underwear. You stared blankly as I drove you home.
***
I get up to leave, hand you some money, kiss your forehead. I walk away and shut the door.
On the drive home I smoke endless cigarettes, lighting one with the other.
I hear your voice from a tattered, dog-eared memory. You say "Trust no one."
I see you young and glowing. Sunlight hair. The faded photographs betray the spark of endless possibilities in your eyes.
A 14 year old Mona Lisa. Even then, never giving up too much of yourself. You were melancholy mystery.
***
When I visit, you wring your hands. The endless pacing makes my head spin. The blisters on your lips shine like smooth quartz.
And you say you need the pipe.
You say it is all lost.
The lines in your face are like ripples in water.
***
When I see you in my mind's eye, you are young again. We go to Marcado Del Sol. We eat Chile Rellano at Adrian's. You take pictures of me, so awkward at 12. I feel like melancholy mystery. Like you. Your corn silk hair shines. The camera clicks and flashes. We had never hugged but sitting next to you in the Jeep, speeding down the highway I felt...embraced.
You said "clean" was a good word for it. You felt cleansed.
***
Mama and me on my 15th birthday. You made fondue
and chocolate covered strawberries. We drank pink champagne. Before I fell asleep, my head still light, you said "Trust no one."
***
I know when I leave you will rock up. I stay a little longer even though I know it won't matter in the end.
***
Mother in her Nieman's suit, placid smile...
***
Mama screaming in the night. Susan left you and I cleaned the blood from the hallway.
***
Mama bringing gold and silver balloons from the party. You woke me up to talk so late. The champagne was sweet on your breath.
***
Mother wandering the streets in your underwear. You stared blankly as I drove you home.
***
I get up to leave, hand you some money, kiss your forehead. I walk away and shut the door.
On the drive home I smoke endless cigarettes, lighting one with the other.
I hear your voice from a tattered, dog-eared memory. You say "Trust no one."
VIEW 19 of 19 COMMENTS
If you are still interested in participating for the month of September you can vote for one of the three titles suggested so far. You can also post your own review, or simply express your opinion of 'The Life of Pi" or my own poorly written review here.