I remember how frightened I was
of  life,  of new encounters,
of  who I  was  becoming,
what was happening within.

I remember anguish in discovering
the weakness of  hungry flesh,
the faithlessness of old  friends,
the flaws revealed in my parents.

I remember tears of discontent
when facing my own naked flaws,
consternation at the world’s injustices,
unhappiness amid the pin-pricks of life.

I remember unexpected surges of pride
as I pushed myself to perform more boldly,
of hope as my horizons miraculously expanded,
of amusement at the absurdities noticed in all lives.

I remember when first I saw the exquisite look
of desire recognized in the face of the other,
of  feeling  passion overtake  me,
of committing  my affection to another.

first published in Twilight Ending

©1997 Bonnie Manion