My poem

I won an honorable mention for the adult category at the West Roxbury Library poetry contest.  The theme this year is "Missing pieces."  Here's my poem (although I can't get the spacing right in the blog). 

MISSING PIECES

 

Nina Kallen

 

Nadia   I did not always dream about this day.   If I had, I would have known, My mother was supposed to help me choose A dress And the snotty lady on Newbury Street Would not have sneered at me. Ha! I showed her when she tried to rip me off. Me! I think I made her cry.   I would have known Weddings are supposed to be catered. You’re supposed to find a rabbi Who knows what he’s doing. Your venue (“venue” -- I snort) Should have bathrooms, Not portapotties.   Nevertheless:   It was a fine June day Under a white tent. Food from the potluck Overflowed the tables. The rabbi showed up. Guests snuck into the house To use the bathroom.   Sometimes ignorance Is a mean sort of wisdom. Sometimes you grasp in the dark And children emerge. Sometimes you are doing your damnedest Just to get through the day And you find you are living your own life In your own way   And it is good enough.

Aidan   I first saw you through a window. I told a friend I would marry you.   It was a perfect day. You helped me find a suit. I still have it. Why would I need more than one?   We got married on a farm. They planted flowers for us.  The tent company was amazing. Some people I know set up the food. My friend performed the ceremony.   The hurricane came during our honeymoon. At the last minute we found a pink hotel To keep us safe.   I never really understand Your looks of despair, Of desperation, Of disdain.   Why don’t you give me more credit?   I work hard, As hard as can be expected. It is not easy having kids, And a job, And you.    I am proud of my life’s work. The kids, the job, And you.   And, although hurricanes come, I am living my own life In my own way   And it is good enough.