In honor of Neil Armstrong, one of my childhood heroes, I wrote a poem titled “What I Wanted.” Two years ago, it was published in Red Weather No. 29. Because of Armstrong’s recent death, I thought you might like to read the poem.
What I Wanted
by Linda Frances Lein © 2010
That hot July night when I was eleven,
Neil Armstrong took the first steps on the moon.
Through a scratchy, snowy
black and white connection,
I heard him say,
That’s one small step for man,
one giant leap for mankind.
Mom said, Ain’t real.
Don’t believe it.
But I looked out the window
in search of the moon.
I wanted to believe
I, too, could reach the stars.
A year later,
when I leaned over the gas stove,
too close to a flaming burner,
my cotton blouse caught fire.
Mom quickly wrapped me in her arms
and smothered the flames reaching for my face.
The only time I remember
being hugged by her,
and it left a small scar—
a reminder—
the shape of a star.
I liked your poem. Great job!
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Beautiful and sad.
I agree with Joan, beautiful and sad.
Linda, when we spoke this afternoon I told you how much I like this poem, but I wanted to say it again tonight, after re-reading the poem again. Very moving!
Thanks for sharing this poem. It is moving, well written, thought provoking.