Return to Top of Page
Menu
  • Close
  • About Us
  • Contributors
  • Donate
  • Opportunities
  • Staff
  • Submissions
  • 20 Years
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Search Website
Literary Mama
  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Departments
  • Blog
  • Newsletter

Poetry | April 2013

Birthday

By Dayna Patterson

She vomits on the tire swing,
an ominous beginning.

Over breakfast, she told me
she wants to stay three.

How do I explain time’s arrow,
always departing Grand Central?

She is four. No one can cheat
the fourth dimension’s heave.

I police the piƱata bat.
It slips from my hand.

I intercept a wild whack
just inches from her face.

3 replies on “Birthday”

Rebecccasays:
April 10, 2013 at 9:05 am

favorite line “how do I explain time’s arrow,/always deparating Grand Central?” This is their childhood for me, it is all just click-clack train departing away.
lovely poem.
xo

Reply
jessicasays:
April 22, 2013 at 10:39 am

this is GREAT. i love it. the violence and sickness against the sweet, delicate age. so true to life.

Reply
fineartist65622says:
April 24, 2013 at 6:25 pm

I can feel this poem, I remember the bat. Bitter sweet, beautiful.

Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Share This Page

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Copy Link

Dayna Patterson

Learn More

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Don't miss out on Literary Mama news and updates

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Instagram
  • RSS

© 2023 Literary Mama | Search Site | About Us | Staff | Submissions | Privacy Policy