As of this writing Hidden in Childhood: A Poetry Anthology is still running #1 on Amazon New Releases [poetry anthologies]. This is almost the 5th day. I cannot tell you how humbled and delighted I am. The poetry in this volume is fantastic. 150 poets wrote about their childhood. Joy and pain. Tears and smiles.
Today coming from childhood the voice of Vance Walker.
PAST AS PROLOGUE – VANCE WALKER
Under the old oak tree
where they hung our swing
we three would play
till the bell would ring
and we burned our hands
on the fisherman’s rope
and skinned our knees
on the fireman’s pole
In our big tree house
with lights but no water
we three played
two sons and a daughter
Using cherries for blood
our ammunition was mud
squirt guns for rain
It was all just pantomimed pain
And I could hold my breath
much longer than you
under the old oak tree
when it was just us two
Except on that day
on that afternoon
when that rope around your neck
turned your face bright blue
I didn’t know what to do
under that old oak tree
Hang on hold on
I’ll get you free
We had our GI Joes
up to their necks in mud
and flying through the air
and landing with a thud
And I could hold my breath
much longer than you
except on that day
on that afternoon
when you banged to the floor
when I banged down the door
blood, not mud
and your face bright blue
I didn’t know what to do
tears coming down like rain
you in your cherry juice
you and your phone cord noose
Remember when
we had to pantomime pain?
Well it was we three
then it was us two
now it’s just me
me alone
using tears for rain
and I don’t have to pantomime pain.
Vance Walker has been writing poetry since he was a little boy. Recent poetry published: When Smooth-Faced Wooers Woo, in the Wingless Dreamer’s Breath of Love, Poems for Global Poemic, Vita Brevis Press, and The Gay & Lesbian Review. His play, You’ve Got To Keep Mother Alive, was recently performed at Scribe Stages.
Sorrow and loss live within us forever. Beautiful poem.
Indeed Terveen. Thank you so much for reading.
How incredibly awesome. Congratulations on this amazing streak of success! 🥳👏🏼🥰
Thank you Kim. It means a lot to me.
Enjoy the rest of your day.
You are so very welcome, and have a FANtabulous day too! 👏🏼📚🌞
Thank you so much.
Oh my dear, it’s always my pleasure! 🤗💐🥰 Here’s to great things ahead!!! 😊🥂🥳
Thank you Kim. To great things ahead to everyone.
xoxo .
A beautiful and painful read.
I know Dawn. Thank you for reading.
What a gorgeous poem so alive with heart rendering imagery and emotion!
I agree Layla.
xoxo
Thanks for sharing this poem. Anita
My pleasure Anita.
Wow, powerful. It took a dark hard turn there.
What an exceptional piece of writing and I found myself holding my breath. Beautiful feature, thank you Gabriela for sharing this with us.
This poem was absolutely haunting Vance wrote and I do applaud his honest account and bravery in sharing!~. Thank you Gabriela! 🌹