When you see a child in first, second or third grade, don’t think for a moment they aren’t thinking very deep thoughts and aren’t able to have a complex spiritual life. I had an active spiritual life and after my brother came home from French class talking about mistranslations, all I could think was…. well, the poem says it all.
I Remember Me
First crisis of spirit, age 8 –
Cinderella’s slipper… fur?
When I die I’ll be maggot food.
Bible’s translation… wrong, too?
Cinderella’s slipper… fur?
Don’t tell anyone about this.
Bible’s translation… wrong, too?
Walk to school, staring at feet.
Don’t tell anyone about this!
Can’t talk to Mom, God, Mrs. A….
Walk to school, staring at feet
One night closer to being a worm’s feast
Can’t talk to Mom, God, Mrs. A.
Sleep became the chief enemy
One night closer to being a worm’s feast
Stare at bedroom’s crystal doorknob
Sleep became the chief enemy
When I die, I’ll be maggot food
Stare at bedroom’s crystal doorknob
First crisis of spirit, age 8
(The Pantoum is a Malaysian form of poetry. It was popularized in the West by French Novelist, Victor Hugo. If you want to learn how to write one, simply google "How to Write a Pantoum.)
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© 2012 by Julie Jordan Scott
Julie Jordan Scott has been a Life & Creativity Coach, Writer, Facilitator and Teleclass Leader since 1999. She is also an award winning Actor, Director, Artist and Mother Extraordinaire. She was twice the StoryTelling Slam champion in Bakersfield. She leads Writing Camp with JJS & this Summer will be traveling throughout the US to bring this unique, fun filled creative experience to the people wherever she finds the passion & the interest.
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I knew I was going to like it! Wow... I really, really do. It takes me back and makes me think of my memoir that I'm writing that has a lot about my spiritual life growing up. Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Morgan Dragonwillow | October 11, 2012 at 07:34 PM
I have always had a rich spiritual life... probably starting with conception.
Posted by: Julie Jordan Scott | October 11, 2012 at 07:57 PM
I love the way this poem creates both the child's perspective, points of reference, and imagery, and the issues that must be hidden, not talked about. I think I would like more of this poem, or more poems from this perspective.
Posted by: Beth Camp | October 11, 2012 at 09:42 PM