- 2020 Volume 15
poetry
Wonder: A breath in, a sigh out, silence
fills the brain. It’s like thoughts
are at a loss for words. Emotions are quiet
And you’re full,
full of silent wonder.
You’re a child at a museum
And you see a dinosaur.
A tug on your mother’s dress indicates your confusion
on the tyrannosaurus rex. The bones towering
above seem unrealistic. Your dog,
Spark, doesn’t look like that.
You are again filled with silent wonder
and your brain and your face disconnect
and you are left with that dumb
look on your face, the one
where you resemble a fish.
You’re 15 years old, in a class
Where the teacher is mediocre
at best. But you find the subject decent
So you don’t dropout. Mrs. Whoever
sits at her desk as you shiver
With fear. You’re getting handed
Back the test that broke
your brain. However, one red A-
Neatly sits at the top of the paper.
You are filled with silent wonder,
Though you would scream
If a detention didn’t lie
At the end of your path.
You’re 22 years old, fresh
out of college. You no longer blink
In the presence of dinosaurs or are excited
by good grades. Your wonder
Is broken, but your silence
Is strong. You’ve been trained
To know the answers
and if you don’t, well, then you’re wrong.
Your empty pocket
Is a pattern, it can be seen nationwide.
You try to wonder in quiet,
Like you did when you were five.
But there is no more wonder,
Only fear of future faults.
You are 42 years old, with two kids,
A dog, a spouse, and a mortgage.
One of those is just for show.
Your wonders have changed,
They are no longer about you.
They reach far into the future
Rather than up towards the moon.
Your wonders are not silent,
And they change as your glories grow.
Wonder: A breath in, a sigh out. Ideas
And questions fill the brain. You are
Filled with colorful wonder….
And that may never change.
Artwork by Lily Roberts