Under My Father’s Feet by
25
(28 Stories)

Prompted By Trauma

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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.

Profile photo of Patricia Valese pattyv


Characterizations: moving, well written

Comments

  1. Betsy Pfau says:

    Remarkable depiction of psychic trauma (and the calming presence your father brought), Patty. Lilies of the Valley are my favorites too.

  2. Dave Ventre says:

    Very moving depiction of what she and you and your Dad went through.

  3. 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!

  4. Laurie Levy says:

    You are an amazing poet, Patti. You capture what was a true trauma for your parents and you. Beautifully written.

  5. Khati Hendry says:

    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.

  6. Suzy says:

    This was a very powerful poem, Patty. So glad you have started writing for Retrospect again.

  7. Jim Willis says:

    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.

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