Vivian Jackson

Houston, TX, USA

Working in the public school setting as a teacher, I have remained grounded and in touch with reality—the good and the bad. Through the high’s and low’s, I am truly thankful for my experiences. "Without my mistakes, I would not be the person who I am . . . " The imperfections of life promote spiritual growth, wisdom, passion, and strength.

nostalgia

paper dolls and
pig tails
cabbage in
the pot

freeze tag
Simon says
fetching sticks
with spot

unlocked doors
mopped floors
jars with
fireflies

momma yells
from the window
it's time to
come inside

motha on the
corner
aunt Clara
cross the street

daddy pulling
in the driveway
with bags
of groceries

a touch of
fall's weather
or spicy smells
cooking

sparks visions
of flashbacks
and precious
memories.

you or me

faces of innocence
tarnished by
hardness
covering up
insecurity

watching and
waiting
steadily
pacing
all my activities

when I'm
at ease
your purse
or your life
please
starting reality

these are the signs
of the time
without prayer
or serenity.