Mary Coston Wise
Finally, I see you.
Weathered black, white
shades of brown.
I weep from longing.
You are eighteen
with furrowed brow
wearing your Sunday best.
It’s Accomack County graduation
day 1935. Did you know your arms,
legs crossed, could not shield you
from past, present, future tense?
Did you know your marriage
ends in sweating, coughing,
fever, shaking?
Did you know hospitals are for whites only.
Your uncle, husband, baby boy gone, then you.
Your orphan sons left motherless, aching.
Did you know one day
I’d see you and lament
countless ancestors sacrificed?
Did you know today
I’d seek repair
for countless ancestors sacrificed?
So poignant, Sheila.
Linda, Thanks so much!
Deeply Moving and Heart Felt. The poem hit the core of the struggles our ancestor endured. We have to remain cognitive of that struggle and our own.
You conveyed in this poem the ache and sorrow in a way that we can feel it too. Beautifully done, Sheila. Although we feel helpless righting past wrongs, acknowledging the pain helps move us forward. Thank you for this lovely piece. I can’t write poetry, so I’m in awe of everyone who can.
JoHannah, Thank you for entering in. Your encouraging words are comforting and sweet.
Beautiful and such a strong ending communicating hope for the future.
Michelle,
Thanks your words encourage me to keep writing poetry and reminds me to keep hoping.
Sheila, I am deeply mo bed by your poem. This poem has clearly come from the source of Poetry…Creation. The voice of your ancestors does speak through you, becoming your voice as pulled forth by our Holy Spirit…Yes! Keep writing your poetry..our lives and in turn our world will be touched.
Sheila, I am deeply moved by your poem. This poem has clearly come from the source of Poetry…Creation. The voice of your ancestors does speak through you, becoming your voice as pulled forth by our Holy Spirit…Yes! Keep writing your poetry..our lives and in turn our world will be touched.
Sally bless and thank you for letting the poem speak to your heart. Also, thank you for the encouragement!
Sheila… words fail. This is so deep and strong, flowing like a river of pain and grace… thank you so much for showing us your mother.
Bev,
Thank you for words of comfort and grace. She was my father’s mother. I never knew what she looked like. It’s such a blessing to have this photo that was discovered only a few weeks ago.
So beautiful
Thank you Nina!
The universality of this pain and loss coupled with the deeply personal cry of your heart really touched me in this piece. Thank you!
Thanks for hearing our story!
You are such a gift to the world and to us. THank you for this.