Autobiographia Poem by G.E. Patterson

Autobiographia

Rating: 3.1


I had everything and luck: Rings of smoke
blown for me; sunlight safe inside the leaves
of cottonwoods; pure, simple harmonies
of church music, echoes of slave songs; scraps
of candy wrappers -- airborne. Everything.
Mother and father, brother, aunts, uncles;
chores and schoolwork and playtime. Everything.

I was given gloves against winter cold.
I was made to wear gloves when I gardened.
I was made to garden; taught to hold forks
in my left hand when cutting, in my right
when bringing food to my mouth. Everything.

I had clothes I was told not to wear outside;
a face you could clean up almost handsome;
I had friends to fight with and secrets, spread
all over the neighborhood; the best teachers,
white and colored. I'm not making this up.
I knew that I had everything. Still do.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Michael Gale 20 October 2006

Great poem. It's amazing how much of every day life we may take for granted. An easy ten for originality and style. God bless all poets-MJG.

2 1 Reply
Charity Nduhiu 21 September 2015

Wonderful poem it is good we appreciate what we have. I like

0 0 Reply
G. Akanji Olaniyi 14 September 2015

Lucky you, maaaan! ! ! Many pray for it, labour for it, but still do not get it! Good composition! ! !

1 0 Reply
Michelle Claus 06 July 2014

My grandmother used to say, Count your blessings. You do. Nice poem.

2 0 Reply
Captain Cur 06 July 2012

An eye opener to fully appreciate what we are blessed with instead of complainIng about our lives! Great poem!

2 0 Reply
Robert Combs 19 April 2007

I grew up south of you in Natchez.........I had everything, too. Unfortunately, I never knew it. I just assumed. I really like your work here. thank you, Robert

3 1 Reply
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