DMC: "Chrysalis" by Linda Baie

CHRYSALIS

When I turned thirteen,

I wrapped myself in the cocoon

Of my room.

Not even my scientist mother

Could observe the events

Developing inside

That layered armor.

 

Sometimes—

Friends received a small gift

Of a peek inside,

(I’m not sure they understood.)

Yet mostly it was me

Enjoying the secrecy

Of seclusion.

I lay on my bed, 

Wrapped in pink flowers,

Smoothed on lotions and perfume,

Listened to Elvis and Johnny and Ricky.

I spent hours thinking,

Thinking,

Thinking.

 

My wrap was warm,

Reliable,

Safe,

Impenetrable as planned.

I had taken charge!

 

Later, much later,

I threw off the leafy wrap

And flew away 

as the me

I alone wanted to be.

 

© 2016 Linda Baie. All rights reserved.

 

 

Ann Rider has challenged us to write poems about places of refuge and solace this month. Click HERE for more details.

Post your poem on our November 2016 padlet. All contributions will be included in a wrap-up celebration on Friday, November 25th, and one lucky participant will win a copy of BEFORE MORNING by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Beth Krommes, courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers.