Sunday Scribblings--Q & A

[Mother Combing Sara's Hair--Mary Cassatt]

Shoeless, the little girl crawled up into her lap letting the comfort
Unleash many questions pouring out

in a steady stream like a bag of sugar with a hole in the bottom.

She asked why she is usually the sole witness,
The one to shed the only tear
For the dead rabbit curled up on the grass?
Because you will be ready to stand at a grave someday.

She shyly asked why
Her smile is unwanted by two women of equal race.
They only smile at each other and turn away from her.
Because you will understand racism and might want to
help change the world someday.

The lonely call of the circling goose
Whose mate could not fly away from the pavement--
Recalling the memory choked the word ‘why’ back down her throat
Because now you know the sweetness of love and will always
remember the value of relationships.

Will I finally get picked on Roxy’s team and visit Italy and play the bassoon?
And live in a lighthouse and travel with gypsies?

Why do I have to wear shoes?
Why do I have to leave again?

Will I know when its my turn?
You will see yourself in all these places—and more,
but your home will always be in your beautiful heart.

This week's prompt for Sunday Scribblings is 'Do I have to?' Visit here to see more questions.