We’ll know as children again all that we are
destined to know, that the water is cold
and deep, and the sun penetrates only so far”
~ Jim Harrison from Death Again
On those warm sunny days under cerulean skies
the children played and bathed in love
-for that was all they cared for and knew
Though subtle the changes around them
they never learned to read between the lines
That’s when they learned of climate change …for the first time
-that a sunny day can go with mad/bad/sad thoughts
-that rain can be equated with relief…therefore a good thing
-when their tormentor would be delayed at work
Those were growing –up fast days
when they too, learned to smell the coffee as it brewed
when they learned to smell the smoke before the fire
when they learned to smell a rat…even in a home of beauty
That was when they learned to read between the lines
©Vivian Zems
June 18, 2018 at 5:47 pm
This is a dark one. ‘smell a rat’ good one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
June 19, 2018 at 6:06 pm
Thank you 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
June 18, 2018 at 6:03 pm
Ahh, children always know…this is very good Vivian.
LikeLiked by 1 person
June 19, 2018 at 6:06 pm
Thanks Linda!
LikeLiked by 1 person
June 18, 2018 at 6:15 pm
Love the last lines, and especially how you brought in “smell the coffee as it brewed”!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
June 19, 2018 at 6:06 pm
Thank you Qbit! 😊
LikeLike
June 18, 2018 at 8:15 pm
Lovely write Vivian! ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
June 19, 2018 at 6:04 pm
Thank you 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
June 18, 2018 at 8:19 pm
A sad commentary on childhood. But those who had this home life knew early on — the smell of coffee brewing, though… that will always mean comfort in our house! Poignant write.
LikeLiked by 2 people
June 19, 2018 at 6:04 pm
Thank you Charley 😊
LikeLike
June 19, 2018 at 6:09 pm
You are welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
June 18, 2018 at 11:28 pm
You pinpoint the harsh reality of growing up with great metaphors and language that loops us around to your subtle message. Really well done!
LikeLiked by 2 people
June 19, 2018 at 1:11 am
Thanks Jilly!
LikeLiked by 2 people