I went to a writers workshop yesterday. The poet in charge, Bill Brown, spoke to us about life changing events. I decided to write about my wedding since getting married is a life changing event. I also wrote about my wedding since my cousin who has schizophrenia went AWOL during the event. It is my cousin who caused me to feel forever interested in sever chronic mental illness. He is responsible for my eventual choice to work in psychiatric hospitals.
Queen for a day
The bride wore a sparkling white crinoline gown holding roses and peonies.
She performed the ceremonial kiss and danced the wedding March
Over current for the day
Cousin John wore a white light sparkling brain
Wilting scents and compelling confusion lived inside his absent facial features
He was seeking rhythm
Consistency
Normalcy
The under current for the day
Cousin John knew what he needed
Not Haldol! On the contrary, he needed home.
A psychotic man flees from a wedding in Ohio to a home in California.
How much can a Queen control?
Familiar clasps of congratulations
Receptive lines of Champaign drinking well-wishers
The Queen holds court in the over current
The under current rises
Phone rings, it’s the police
A caravan line to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
Receives the absent cousin
Cousin and Bride
Over and under blending
The Queen, gracious and forever curious
The cousin, confused and forever beholden to grace.
3 comments:
This is a terrific poem. I love the over current under current melody you use. I feel it would still tell the story even without the set up info you gave us.
Well done! Gave me that "buzz" in my head I get when I read fine poetry.
Thanks for your comments. I am very insecure about sharing poetry. I might even share another one.
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