Surf Dancers



Like a huge ocean wave swell
The sounds rise up
To a fevered pitch of pain
It rains down on the small group
Of lowered heads in recliner chairs
Grief swells with the undulating sounds.
SON OF A BITCH WHORE!
Says a formless bundle
Drowning in a white blanket on a chair
The deranged epithets
Give vague meaning to the voices
She hears in the caverns of her demented mind.
I WANT ATTENTION!. I’M IN PAIN!
TAKE ME TO MY ROOM!
This child woman, woman child has needs
Far too long ignored
She has a beautiful name
And her voice drives me to my wit’s end.
Moans, groans, tears and even shouts
I WANT ATTENTION!
My own anxiety builds
My insides are all twisted foam rubble
Tightening and loosening
I am in pain and I am not demented.
Their voices are lowered
I retreat to my room in tears
Headphones to my ears
I soak in the beautiful music of a piano
Pianissimo, andante, forte
Where is my place in this agony?
Sheila W. Mooney
June 2009



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