Leveled




I was at Dad's place
yesterday,
sitting out back
on the porch swing
thinking
about my childhood.

I could remember
being in the same spot
able to see Mt. St. Helens
perfectly
on a clear day
before she practically
leveled herself.

Looking to the east,
today
you wouldn't even know
she had ever been there.

A short while ago
I was lying on his couch
comfortable and still
under my blankets.

One of Dad's friends
dropped by
and they talked
while I absently listened.

Twenty minutes passed
before his friend said
I'm sorry 'Anna,
I didn't even see you there.

His words
upset me
and I started to weep,
which made me feel even worse.

Embarrassed, I asked Dad
to take me home.
I never cry
in front of my folks,
let alone their friends.

No one has ever seen me
that way,
not until the day
someone couldn't see me
at all.