Marilyn HIgginson, Fields Near Eola Hills, Oil on Wrapped Canvas, 18″ X 24″
Vietnam
“she was home
a few months ago – now she thinks
she might miss
christmas. after all,
we’ve just been over
and you’re going
next year”
– that’s my mother
talking about my sister
in Vietnam.
she teaches English
there
in spite
of a quite good job
waiting
as a radiation therapist.
I guess
she’s decided
life is
just better
in another country.
I wish I had
that courage –
to fly like a cut kite
or the seed from a dandelion
far
and as fast
as you can –
flipping your thumbs at us earthbound cedars,
dropped
and horribly rotting
to grow solid
out of the ground.
_______________
DS Maolalai
Review by Corinne Bailey
This is an interesting piece – longing, envy of a sister’s perceived freedom, and the desire to be free from responsibility.
For this reader, this poem really hits its stride in the third stanza – “I wish I had that courage – to fly like a cut kite.” A very strong finish. I would go as far to say that the poem could begin with the third stanza, but this would mean a few changes to pull in the tie to the sister in Vietnam. Enjoyed this poetic journey!