Poetry

Black-and-White Christmas, 1953

You are no longer this little girl
sitting in a wicker rocking chair
perfectly sized for a three-year-old
and her baby doll—

the chair rescued by your grandmother
from an alley trash heap,
repaired and graced with glossy
white paint and a new, floral seat.

These are no longer your young brothers,
Bryan with his truck,
Gregory with his airplane—
nor your Christmas tree,

the one with silvery icicles, tinsel,
and homemade paper chains,
abandoned
because of big brother’s asthma.

No, this is not your happy family—
barefooted in pj’s, plaid bathrobe,
flannel nightie—staring like deer
into the Brownie’s lens,

uncertain what to do when Mother says,
Say, cheese!
—uncertain how to feel
when everyone goes away.

Terri’s spooky, fun poetry collection Witch’s Brew is available for purchase here. Yes, these poems are perfect for Halloween but they’re also great for anytime you’re in a witchy mood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are just a few of the places Terri’s poetry has been featured. Click on the logos for more information and to read Terri’s work.