Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Prince


Prince and me, circa 1977

He was puffy and fluffy
and rarely barked.

I was in the car
that ran over him
the night he died. Six years old

and sitting in the backseat
between my mom and Shirley
as we headed out for dinner. Louie’s Chinese.

Shirley’s husband, Harry,
was the driver. A sweet, adorable man.
A diabetic whose foot later developed gangrene.

He felt terrible, of course.

I felt indescribable.

How do you say
how you feel,
your first prince’s yelps
stinging everything?


© 2015 Jennifer Wagner

13 comments:

Wendy Bourke said...

This is such a well-drawn, eloquent little sketch … the facts of the tragedy juxtaposed against the speechless, heartache of the loss. It made me think of many news stories. The who-when-and-where’s dryly recounted by a detached newscaster; while the unspoken pain and anguish of those involved remains – always – beyond words.

Welcome back, Jennifer ⚘⚘⚘ You have been missed!!!

Grace said...

What a heart breaking poem ~ It's hard to put them in words, I agree ~

Good to see you again Jennifer ~ Have a good week ~

Buddah Moskowitz said...

Oy, this is just heartbreaking. Very strong and brave write.

ayala said...

This is so heartbreaking :(

Rajesh said...

Jen, Welcome back. Nice write, sad one though.

Jody Lee Collins said...

Welcome back, indeed, Jen. It's great to hear your voice, albeit with a sad tale.
Happy Fall!

Tank said...

Nicely written and very sad. I'm glad that you're back too, I missed your writing!

Fireblossom said...

Oh my goodness, what an awful experience, and awful memory. *shivers*

Magyar said...

__The youngster then, and in looking back, sadness over comes the gladness that grew between you and your Prince; you have never forgotten that goodness.

in loss
memories of that given
the tear's smile

__Good to see you've returned, Jen_! _m

brudberg said...

This make me just wanting to weep... I remember the cats we had that were killed by cars.. but that connection to a man you knew.

Great to see you back writing Jennifer

grapeling said...

brings up memories I had long forgotten. hope you are well, Jennifer ~

Audrey Howitt aka Divalounger said...

Oh this would make me cry! Glad to see you are writing again!

janetld said...

Oh, I feel so sad for everyone. Those painful memories that stay with us.

But so glad to see you back again, Jennifer!