Ode to a Lizzard
Death came quickly
to your doorstep
I tried to protect you
but all in vain
For I was the one
who wielded the weapon
I was the one who
caused you the pain
I cried with sorrow
at your passing
I cried with guilt
I cried with shame
But those around
me stared and mocked me
And will no longer
remember your name
by Marysue S.
——
I wrote the short poem above many years ago. I was still living at home (late teens, early 20’s), and some incident in my family’s living room caused this ode to form in my mind. The exact circumstances elude me. The sentiments in the poem tell the tale in full though, without recalling the exact details. I wrote it down right away.
I recall writing this. I recall the tears. The sorrow. I cannot, though, recall exactly what happened at the event. Something my mother did resulted in me dropping something is the best my fuzzy memory can recall, but it’s not surety.