Smile Marina





Life came loaded with its weapons
and shot down your youth.

There is no magic in a mirror
that reflects but doesn’t explain.

Make-up can’t cover the road map
pain has driven across your face.

Vulnerability met predator
when you were only sixteen.

He told you that love was proved
by walking in heels on dark city streets.

It’s never too late to start over
when it’s hell you’re leaving behind.

Dry your tears; the rainy season is over.
You’ve repented more than anyone in this town.

Smile Marina, get ready for life’s second act.
Let the beauty of your heart be seen on your face.



©Susie Clevenger 2012
Image: GoodWP.com
Marian at Real Toads gave us the music of the Jayhawks as inspiration to create our written piece.



Comments

Kerry O'Connor said…
There is much empathy in this portrait of a woman whose path was not altogether straight or narrow. I like the fact that you allowed for a measure of redemption.
June 29, 2012 at 10:59 AM
Fireblossom said…
F. Scott Fitzgerald said that there are no second acts in American lives. He was wrong.
June 29, 2012 at 11:26 AM
Janet Martin said…
Susie, this is raw and real and all we need now is a performer! WOW!

This prompt is uncovering a volley of emotion in its respondents!
June 29, 2012 at 12:15 PM
Helen said…
YEA Shay!! So right, there might even be third and fourth acts!! I enjoyed the path you took us down ...
June 29, 2012 at 12:38 PM
Daydreamertoo said…
Sad when someone falls for such a line and then it leads them into this type of thing. Wow. Very touching.
June 29, 2012 at 1:36 PM
Hannah said…
Such an awful direction to turn toward...

You captured this so emotively and the recovery in the end is beautiful.

Well written, Susie!
June 29, 2012 at 2:18 PM
Marian said…
ack, this is a rough one, beautifully rendered. you know something about The Jayhawks? they have lots of women's names in their songs. i always liked this one because my name is almost Marina. hee. excellent, hard-hitting poem here, Susie.
June 29, 2012 at 8:18 PM
Kay L. Davies said…
This is wonderful, Susie. And I also agree with Shay, there definitely are second acts.
Thanks for writing this, and proving F. Scott wrong.
K
June 29, 2012 at 9:17 PM
Sreeja said…
Soulful writing....
June 29, 2012 at 11:53 PM
vivinfrance said…
The make-up line is so true. I'd rather read the road-map in a face and share the feelings than be fooled by a mask.
June 30, 2012 at 1:34 AM
Ben Ditty said…
Beautiful, my beautiful friend!
June 30, 2012 at 2:33 AM
Archna Sharma said…
So often, young girls empty their hearts in this mirror and lose all hope in this dark walk. Thank you for the hope in this piece. I love the title and the blue in her name.
June 30, 2012 at 9:21 AM
Dulce said…
'Smile for life's second act...' That stroke me deeply, and so loved it.

Nice oh so nice to read you, Susie
June 30, 2012 at 11:23 AM
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