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The Post War Child


Nostalgia is a disease
From which I will never suffer.
If she had deigned to cross
paths with a stove,
My grandmama could not have
boiled an egg.
Brandy snifter lovingly cradled,
Grandpapa wished children
would be neither seen nor heard.

As they suffocated hardwood floors
beneath linoleum.
My parents held fast the delusion
that formica was the surface of the future.

Mounds of gnawed, plastic novelties
numbed the nursery hours.
None I remember with affection.

Of what will I dream, when I grow old?

Can you relate to what is being described?

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Reviews


  • Dun
    February 26, 2008

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    So your childhood stunk

    that sentiment speaks in volumes in this piece. Grandma was not of the cookie-baking variety, grandpa was a self-absorbed drunk, mom and dad were cold and impersonal surfaces unspeaking as to any warmth held underneath. You chewed away your frustrations in quietude, left to your own and toying with your own devices, your life filled with toys and no one to play with.

    Excellent and crystal clear. You're terrific, Eosmia. But I've always known you were.

    al

    • eosmia
      February 26, 2008
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      Hello again my friend,

      I look at the picture of you and your daughter and think I had not one single moment with my father that held the precious closeness that you to show for one another.
      Thanks for being such a terrific dad. Oh yes, and for your comments.


      • Dun
        February 26, 2008
        Edit | Reply

        hello right back at ya, ditto the friend part(and proud to be so)

        Eosmia, I love my kids. But I don't spend nearly as much time as I need to. My parents were never hesitant to love me and I never hesitate to do the same. Every day I tell my kids how great I think they are and I revel in the glow it gives them. The power of a parent is a wonderful thing. My daughter was struggling in school a few years ago. We started making a point of reinforcing when she did well and always saying things like "That ***'s a smartie! Boy, I tell you what" She's currently in the gifted program and gets straight A's. Also, lately she has been getting picked on by boys at school who try to make her feel bad about herself(which is grade school for fondness). She'd get all dejected. A simple "Sweetie, you look beautiful today" has made all the difference. When everything is crap, the family is that last bastion of happiness and it's great to see our kids feel restored when in the home. I love my kids. They are a source of great joy to me. However, I should be caned for how much time I spend in front of this damned screen. I'm trying to tear myself away...

        Thanks, esomia.

        al