we had twelve addresses,
anyone would have
taken us for nomads.
Every place, every person
we knew and loved,
was left behind again and again,
all to be resumed time after time.
Home was separation, wholeness.
Food was the basic understanding
that nothing was ours to keep,
that all things are transient.
Written for MZ's NaPoWriMo prompt over at the Imaginary Garden.
The title is a line from Mary Oliver's poem In Blackwater Woods which I really adore.
This is a valuable lesson to learn early in life.
ReplyDeleteI like "separation, wholeness" together, not really juxtaposed, but one belonging to the other or leading to the other. Nice!
ReplyDeleteOoh, I like this one! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI really relate to this, Kenia. Beautifully done.
ReplyDeleteI relate as well and I too love "Home was separation, wholeness" It still feels that way and it isn't a bad thing at all.
ReplyDeleteI have been a nomad too, and really resonate with this poem. A powerful lesson to learn so young: that nothing is ours to keep. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful way to express this type of existence, Kenia...wisdom resides therein.
ReplyDeleteluv the fact that "separation" and "wholeness" co-habited; have a creative month
ReplyDeletemuch love...
Short but very complete and palpable. Thanks, Kenia.
ReplyDeleteI know this as an adult, but not as a child. I can't imagine- I bet you adapt easier than most~ I hope you have roots and your home is filled with love~ @>--------------
ReplyDeleteThat must have been hard. All those new schools and new kids... Beautifully written.
ReplyDeleteA lesson learned so young. We an only hold on by letting go.
ReplyDeleteIt must be a devastating lifestyle for a child.
ReplyDeletestill learning that... ~
ReplyDelete