Branches Book

BRANCHES

Sophie Ulin

LIFE: IN 5 ACTS

Childhood

I I was never the one to ask To ask what time, what emotions, who was there I was never the one who wanted to know Until one day, when I was bored I asked.

What was it like? Were you scared? Was I the only one crying?

I was told the cliché About it being the best day, about it being a joyous day, There were tears, an excess of people, too much commotion I was told that I came out crying, screaming I was told.

II I never lived in one of those fancy homes, You know the ones that you see gracing the Home Improvement magazines?

I have never once been ashamed of my roots, Of the place– the people– that created me.

I don’t think I was an easy child, I would often complain, cry, and scream. I think of myself as a tornado–

Ready and willing to whip through a pleasant, peaceful scene Always armed with an “I’m sorry I ruined the evening.”

I was never the girl picked first, No, but I was the first to be picked on, To be told that my hair was wrong and my voice was too loud. So I returned home each day And caused a natural disaster that I could actually fix.

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