constructing poetry

eighteen years in Memphis

eighteen years ago
I first saw Memphis—sprawling
on top of the bluff, the mighty
Mississippi a dark shadow
below. the streets meandered
along forgotten cow paths and
I thought about the time—
eighteen months before—
when I left the wheel of DC
for England’s green hills
and ordered hedgerows.

Memphis gave me
my first salary and my first
flash flood and my first
time coming home to the news
that my house had been
burgled. I watched three sisters
marry here and met four
nieces and nephews for the first
time. and said goodbye to one.

I got sick here,
which isn’t Memphis’ fault.
here, in a little room overlooking
a construction site
where apartment buildings
were turning into the Panera
where we go every Tuesday
to knit, I learned to check
my blood, to draw medicine
to inject. I learned to live here.

I grew here. I found writing
again and wrote and shared and
revised and edited and wrote again
until my fingers ached and
I could explain why
I wrote what I did. I’ve
studied here for so long
that it feels strange to admit
that my time is over
and I’m done studying.
I should be doing.

I’ve never lived anywhere longer.
eighteen whole years—it feels
so long and I keep expecting
the place to ensnare me
with roots—emerging from
the ground like some
alien being. but I tread this world
lightly, and the winds are calling
and I want to fly away
somewhere new. there are
adventures still, elsewhere.

line count: 52

Prompt ▼

Theme: Anniversary. Today is my husband's and my 10th Anniversary. (SO Geeked!) Write about 'an' anniversary...any kind of anniversary... 3rd Christmas together, wedding, a wdc anniversary … perhaps a cancer free date or x years at a job.
Words to use: the year of the anniversay and what it is.
Forbidden words:All words are good because each scenario is different.
Additional parameters: At least 40 lines. Make us want to go 'awww...sniff...smile'