Electric (Wheel) Chair

[Stepshed]

You will see the death of me
my soft leather friend.
In bed I close my eyes and imagine
long grass and bare knees
I imagine the warm touch of summer
and the taste of a man
but my eyes open to the sound
of your silent waiting.

In the corner of my cage
you growl as I sleep. Tomorrow
as they unfold my bones
you will laugh at the mirror
as it tries to reflect some hope
but there is no hope; I am
a teenage girl with you for a friend
lipless, leather-bound and dead.

[Darkvassal]

Quite haunting, and if I might say so, inescapable

[Baywriter]

There were some really great phrases in this one. "unfold my bones" was especially gorgeous -- what a powerful and thoughtful image that is. I liked the word play of the title. To the speaker, the wheel chair feels very much like a death sentence, the execution of her former life. Though very saddening, I thought it was clever and effective. I can't imagine what that must feel like. I loved the last line of this poem as well. I thought it brought home the hopeless feeling, and ending it on the word "dead" was a smart choice. Great write.

Bay

[Baywriter]

I'm not surprised this one got picked up quickly for a spotlight. I love the raw honesty of it, and I thought it was beautifully written. Great job. Congrats!

Bay

[Stepshed]

thank you for the great comments - thanks especially for the spotlight

[dwells]

This was crushingly sad Stepshed and you could do with a better friend. A fine personification of something that must by necessity become a personal appendage and help-mate. This just kept spiraling deeper into an inevitability that is palpable in the telling. Cheers to you on the spotlight and many blessings!

[Philip16]

This poem reminds me that sometimes teenage girls are forced to become wise beyond
their years.
What a wonderful job you have done in creating images that combine nostalgia with harsh
realism and this left me very quiet and reflective. I was deeply touched and I want to thank
you for your work.
Philip16

[tangerinepie]

A fantastic and earthy write that left me quite speechless.A very in depth look at the trials life may impose, a reflection on the courage it requires to live with this day to day reality.A haunting spotlight choice..Bravo..Tangie..

[garic]

Agree with all the comments already posted and
this poem's title is loaded with meaning too!

Congratulations on the spotlight.

[dornicks]

A striking and memorable write with great depth of feeling. Though sad, I think you've handled this very well. Congratulations on the Spotlight,

dornicks

[Stepshed]

Thank you for all the comments made on this poem - they are really appreciated

[Mike6]

I have to agree with Bay on two things "unfold my bones" is an absolutely stunning phrase. Very beautiful. Also, as she mentioned, the raw intensity of the poem. I love how gritty it is, how real it feels. This is great poetry. Congrats on the spotlight!