Muddy Waters

Early morning woes for
Ann as she prepares -

school awaiting with more taunts
from those with words
that linger
her nose not fine too pointy
eyebrows thick
like some bear cub

waist slimmer than a toothpick
and feet as row boats. She
could even see
mud in the mirror.

Thinking of mother and wishing
she hadn’t gone away

remembers parting
words from a hospital bed -
you are a beautiful young lady
and I have always loved
you the way you are.

Perhaps now is the time to
do something with what mom said
and a young lady
hurries to catch the school bus.

© Richard L. Provencher