Letter To A Poem

Donna Freeman

January 15, 2023

Dear Poem,

You are finally ready to leave.

You came to me from thin air,

but grew and grew.

You are an inspiration to me.

Never the classic child,

you had ups and downs:

not difficult just different,

going your own way. 

But there are no words to say

what you have meant to me. 

I confess there were times

you were the cause of frustration

and tired me with repeated demands

I couldn’t understand.

Sometimes I didn’t even like

the sounds of you,

though others said you were

just going through a phase.

You outgrew your demands,

actually stepped in line.

Just like your sisters and brothers,

I guess you’ll turn out fine. 

But you are still so young

I worry what will happen.

Are you safe to leave, 

to be in public alone?

No more questioning,

I send you off enveloped

in motherly love. 

Hope you land safely.

Write me as soon as you can.

Donna Freeman started writing poetry at age twelve. Her poetry appeared in Wilderness House Literary Review, Blue Lake Review, and Ocean State Poets Anthology: Giving Voice. Donna's poems were selected for RI Public's Radio “2020 Virtual Gallery" as well as ekphrastic exhibitions at Imago and Wickford Art Galleries in 2022