Snapshots of my Family
A Journey Through Time
Snapshots of my Family
1
Under Khruschev’s threats,
I squeeze my mother’s right hand --
the end of the world.
2
Near the poinsettias
my first kiss, fight, cigarette
at the Christmas fair.
3
High school entrance test,
Sweat drips on my wooden desk--
the scent of failure.
4
In high school I learn
our history from masters,
and to hate myself.
5
At Key West Harbor
I stare past the Royal palms
at my lost homeland.
6
Running through the rain,
scent of chlorine around me--
a brown-eyed girl waits.
7
At Costa del Sol
near a lake ringed with lilies
I make a promise.
8
Atop Mount Sinai
I swaddle our firstborn child
In blue and white sheets.
9
Maternity ward
the child with my mother’s hair
won't let go my hand.
10
After nine hard months
a boy with my father’s legs
screams into the world.
11
The family plot--
my father’s quarrel with God
goes on with the earth..
12
At the Hoover Dam
the River of Heaven winds
through the painted rocks.
13
Somewhere in Sanford
my mother’s body is one
with an old live oak.
About the Creator
Geoffrey Philp
I am a Jamaican writer. I write poems (haiku & haibun), stories & essays about climate change, Marcus Garvey, music icons such as Bob Marley, and the craft of writing through personal reflection & societal engagement.
Reader insights
Nice work
Very well written. Keep up the good work!
Top insights
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Comments (1)
GP ~ I'm so glad that I've discovered your work and lovely presentations. *I'm subscribing to you, with pleasure. What caught my eye was this poignant 'Family' Story. My main 'Schtick' to start this hobby of mine was to 'Archive' favorite memories "For the Kids Someday." And, what's 'Groovy' is that my 'Goof-Writing' stories have inspired so many 'Boomers' to write their memories as well; that's a nice feeling. VM really should have a 'Seniors' category! Who better than former note-passers to interact on site. And, yes, as you see talk each others ears off! - Vocal Authors Community - Jay Kantor, Chatsworth, California 'Senior' Vocal Author