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Poetry | September 2012

The Ladder

By Allison Shores

Lia says, “I want to swim to the pier,”
and I look out past the buoys
to the white structure in the dark water.
“It’s kind of far. It’s over your head,” I answer,
and Lia noses forward. “Help me, Mom!”
I offer her my forearm.
She clamps on with heavy hands,
and kicks like crazy
while I sidestroke our way
to the floating clapboards.
Lia’s feet slide
as she climbs the algae-coated ladder,
then flees across the planks
and jumps into the deep again
calling, “Help me, Mom!”
giggling
as though this is child’s play.
I extend my arm again,

all the while knowing she had
nothing at all to hold onto
when her foster father plunged her
into the dark of his bed,
told her he loved her,
and did every unimaginable thing.
If Lia gasped for air from under his heavy hand
and called, “Help me!”
no one came,
and certainly not her foster mother,
who assured me Lia was safe
with her dark, wet eyes,
fresh as rotting sea grapes.

Lia jumps into the cool lake again
and again
pushing on my arm
craning her head above the water’s surface.
Shortly we are both exhausted,
fueled only by adrenaline.
But I swim her to the pier’s slick ladder
time after time
and we both believe,
for these short moments,
that I have saved her.

8 replies on “The Ladder”

Reneesays:
September 3, 2012 at 5:14 am

beautiful and heartbreaking.

Reply
Sheryl Stollersays:
September 3, 2012 at 8:19 am

Powerful, moving, apt metaphor. W52.3ith such thoughtful parenting practiced in the million moments of life, there is every reason to believe you truly have saved her.

Reply
Cynthiasays:
September 3, 2012 at 6:54 pm

Unimaginable pain and trauma for a life so young. Grateful she has a mother who understands the pain and can slowly help rebuild trust in those who should protect her.

Reply
Finding Serenitysays:
September 3, 2012 at 7:25 pm

So hauntingly beautiful…”and be both believe, for these short moment, that I have saved her.” Any Lia, whomever she may be…as there are Lia’s everywhere…would be lucky to have a mother like you.

Reply
Johannasays:
September 3, 2012 at 7:49 pm

Really beautiful writing – thanks for sharing!

Reply
Amysays:
September 3, 2012 at 8:44 pm

So touching and heartfelt. What a blessed little girl to have such a loving and selfless Mom come into her life.

Reply
Sarahsays:
September 4, 2012 at 12:05 pm

So beautiful.

Reply
Candicesays:
September 4, 2012 at 7:02 pm

Very touching and beautiful. You do save her each and everyday.

Reply

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