deepundergroundpoetry.com
Aja Lia
"Behold the deepest light, of the tender fire"
-Saint Marco, 1664.
She likes to carry a bible.
I don't judge too harshly.
There's worse things.
As a child, in her home country,
she sold matchsticks by the bundle.
At twelve, they're expected
to sell them door to door,
where the lanterns were kept bedside.
Three dollars American, to them,
was a day's pay like their fathers.
But blue-eyed buyers got a break.
Because a pale-eyed baby would be a ticket
to the promised land.
So they thought, from hopeful rumors.
Yet, did any of them
ever get to leave that way?
At fourteen, the Catholics came.
No more match girls.
They were liberated from that fire,
so was promised.
They were then called house cleaners.
One broom, for each.
If it was forgotten
inside a dark lit room,
it was taken out of their pay.
The old women would bundle some straw,
and hand them another one.
And, no more eating goats.
It was considered unclean.
So no more meat,
even though they only had it
Friday to Sunday.
No cows, here.
But there were plenty of fruits
and vegetables
to rummage through,
after the trucks took their fill away.
She joined the Mission,
learned English from the bible.
Refined her ability, as a young teacher,
learning as she taught those
barely younger than her.
But her family sent for her.
Her father was ailing,
a broken back.
Her brother had went to the coast,
for fish
and never came home.
No.
She'd found her place.
16. She was to marry
a young man that
her parents and his
agreed upon.
She would get to meet him
at their wedding.
In trade,
her parents would get a mule
and a promise for glass,
for the house windows.
She fled, in the caravan
of missionaries,
to California.
They'd hide her,
within the halls
and myriad of columns
with so many other
trapped souls.
Her trust got her two sons,
that went to proper homes.
How would she really know, though.
At least at night,
she was allowed
to sleep only with hope.
An uncle came looking for her,
he was dressed very well.
Yet she had no uncles.
So she fled,
blind into the rest
of America.
A bus got her far;
Thirty years of anywhere
but there.
So, here.
Right next to me.
&
I'm fixing her fence.
It's the fifth thing
I've repaired for her.
She offers to pay every time,
and I tell her that her smile
makes us even.
She is beautiful;
The scars on her cheeks
and the knots on her hands
and the dark holes
in her eyes
where her sons should be.
I wish I could give her
everything back.
But I can't.
Yet I will fix
everything she ever asks
of me.
The fence is done.
No one is getting in
(It won't stop anyone).
We stumble through
another conversation.
Neither of our English
is very good.
For different reasons.
The air around me became static,
I can't explain.
Words stop at woken blood.
-As she touched my arm
during her mid, comfortable sentence.
I'm sure it broke her shoulder
and cracked her elbow,
to do such a simple,
impossible, thing.
She just freed a fraction of herself.
An incidental gift for me.
I wanted to kiss her,
to top off this miracle.
But I knew that even strays
don't accept just anything.
Some people lace it with poison.
She opens a door,
from the corridor of her fear.
They're still coming for her,
the men with black badges.
I want to tell her, so bad,
about this other phone that I carry;
There's a hundred and four
of me.
Do not worry.
But then I'd just be like
one of those
that she flees.
She lifts a smile
(Her shoulder is okay).
She mentions coincidences.
I scoff
(It's what I do).
Of course it's purely chance, that
we're in the same country
same state, same city,
same neighborhood
during the same period of time
and your fence needed mending
and I knew how.
And that just maybe your God
approves of me.
She offered me her bible,
in trade, good for good.
But I knew that
it's full of just as many demons
as it is angels.
-Like a rock song;
Play it backwards,
it's a much better outcome.
Hold on to it, Aja Lia.
I'd just use the pages
to roll a smoke.
She closed the screen door on me.
As I walked away, though;
"My kitchen light, it's too dim"
"Okay, maybe tomorrow"
"I will make you lunch"
"You don't eat meat, but
how about some ice cream?"
"See you then, Saint Marco".
And now,
my head is burning...
Who the hell is this woman,
that God has sent to me.
~~~
Published 2nd Oct 2022
| Edited 3rd Oct 2022
Author's Note
My first name is Mark. Over the years I've been called many things. Marco is one of the better ones.
*The header quote and Saint Marco are totally made up. But I thought it made a good prelude.
*The header quote and Saint Marco are totally made up. But I thought it made a good prelude.
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
likes 13
reading list entries 7
comments 26
reads 586
Commenting Preference:
The author is looking for friendly feedback.
2nd Oct 2022 11:02am
3rd Oct 2022 11:09pm
It is more of my factual fiction. I've been waiting actually, to get some of this down into something tangible, for a long time.
Thank you, I'm glad that it resulted in being worth your time and thought. It's appreciated .
Thank you, I'm glad that it resulted in being worth your time and thought. It's appreciated .
2nd Oct 2022 11:50am
3rd Oct 2022 11:14pm
Thank you for the "BL" award!
She is not a lover of mine. She is a neighbor and a wonderful woman, who I admire for her tenacity to overcome and stay true to her beliefs. I admire strength in all forms.
She is not a lover of mine. She is a neighbor and a wonderful woman, who I admire for her tenacity to overcome and stay true to her beliefs. I admire strength in all forms.
2nd Oct 2022 11:52am
Reminded of Frost’s Mending Wall. Tis amazing some of the lives people lead. Her story makes me feel pretty humble, but she is lucky that she has a wordsmith to capture her life. A very humane and human write Styx.
3rd Oct 2022 11:25pm
Your comment gets the back story, somewhat.
The first part of this write is from my experiences being deployed ( a few times) to areas of South America, while I was in the Army. It was eye opening, and also gut wrenching, to see how so many lived their lives less than any standard we Americans could even imagine.
The second part is indeed about the neighbor. She had a rough start, even getting into this country, etc. And listening to her tell about it, it triggered many memories of what I saw for myself. She is a truly wonderful person. All she needed was the opportunity to shine.
Thank you for the acknowledgement, Rob. It was a bit much to write out into a "ready" story, so I appreciate the nod.
The first part of this write is from my experiences being deployed ( a few times) to areas of South America, while I was in the Army. It was eye opening, and also gut wrenching, to see how so many lived their lives less than any standard we Americans could even imagine.
The second part is indeed about the neighbor. She had a rough start, even getting into this country, etc. And listening to her tell about it, it triggered many memories of what I saw for myself. She is a truly wonderful person. All she needed was the opportunity to shine.
Thank you for the acknowledgement, Rob. It was a bit much to write out into a "ready" story, so I appreciate the nod.
Dear S,
Where to begin? The back story of the woman is stunning in and of itself. It made me think of just how we all have such interesting stories of our own but some have even deeper tales to tell. I loved the interconnection of how the two characters are meant to know each other and how they need each other in what would seem the most odd sense. The element of being on the run from our demons (metaphorically) as well as those who would wish to do us harm and or subjugate us is also a topic of this poem that is ever constant and what I find is this woman’s perseverance to survive and over come is a testament to her courage and strength. An outstanding write! H🌷
Where to begin? The back story of the woman is stunning in and of itself. It made me think of just how we all have such interesting stories of our own but some have even deeper tales to tell. I loved the interconnection of how the two characters are meant to know each other and how they need each other in what would seem the most odd sense. The element of being on the run from our demons (metaphorically) as well as those who would wish to do us harm and or subjugate us is also a topic of this poem that is ever constant and what I find is this woman’s perseverance to survive and over come is a testament to her courage and strength. An outstanding write! H🌷
3rd Oct 2022 11:33pm
Thank you, H.
I think I've caught on to what she's doing. She finds tasks for me to do, when I have the time, and then she talks about the missions and missionaries, and the journey. And yes, the purpose. She isn't pushy, but her goal is to save my soul. Lol
I don't fault her for trying. People have tried to talk me into some ideas far more sinister than this. Lol.
Her sincerity wins me over, if not the goal. I respect that a great deal.
I think I've caught on to what she's doing. She finds tasks for me to do, when I have the time, and then she talks about the missions and missionaries, and the journey. And yes, the purpose. She isn't pushy, but her goal is to save my soul. Lol
I don't fault her for trying. People have tried to talk me into some ideas far more sinister than this. Lol.
Her sincerity wins me over, if not the goal. I respect that a great deal.
2nd Oct 2022 4:17pm
Totally engaging... from start to finish... I am a brevity poet... so a long poem has to be really really good to keep me along for the ride... a good poem like this one... well done...
3rd Oct 2022 11:37pm
I get a bit of a pass, since its not really a poem! Lol. It's a story that I disguised in a poetry format. Made ya look!
And thank you, very much. It was a sort of a journey writing it. It even tired me out emotionally.
And thank you, very much. It was a sort of a journey writing it. It even tired me out emotionally.
Anonymous
- Edited 29th May 2023 7:45am
2nd Oct 2022 4:21pm
<< post removed >>
3rd Oct 2022 11:45pm
I owe you some kind of payment, for that reply! Are you in a psychological field by chance? Seriously.
As i said prior (^^ up there a bit) It is a combination of two stories. One, my own experience seeing first-hand, and then her telling me of her plight to get where she's at today. I enjoy her retellings. And since I've been there somewhat, I can follow along effortlessly.
Thank you for your insightful comment. Sometimes, comments from all of us to each other opens a new angle that the writer didn't think of themselves. So, perhaps they can return to the write and hone it a bit more.
As i said prior (^^ up there a bit) It is a combination of two stories. One, my own experience seeing first-hand, and then her telling me of her plight to get where she's at today. I enjoy her retellings. And since I've been there somewhat, I can follow along effortlessly.
Thank you for your insightful comment. Sometimes, comments from all of us to each other opens a new angle that the writer didn't think of themselves. So, perhaps they can return to the write and hone it a bit more.
2nd Oct 2022 7:42pm
Congratulations, you made me cry. Not all that difficult to do, but still. doesn't happen with most poems I read.
So much beauty, imagery, history, sweetness. This one is extra amazing.
So much beauty, imagery, history, sweetness. This one is extra amazing.
3rd Oct 2022 11:50pm
I gladly accept the extra, because this was an extra effort to write for me. I hesitate to call it work, yet it was much more mental and emotional to write, than my job.
Sorry for the tears. If you want to pay me back, send funny cat videos. I will cry in laughter!
In the meantime, thank you muchly, for the kudos to this. It was, a lot.
Sorry for the tears. If you want to pay me back, send funny cat videos. I will cry in laughter!
In the meantime, thank you muchly, for the kudos to this. It was, a lot.
2nd Oct 2022 10:15pm
This is so full of hope to me. From fleeing a wedding - to fleeing to America. Running into
the next day with hope. Even through tragedy. Like chanting - this too shall pass. At least for me
when it came to loosing her boys to a better home - again hopeful:)
So beautifully captured with your voice.
Love from beginning to end:)
the next day with hope. Even through tragedy. Like chanting - this too shall pass. At least for me
when it came to loosing her boys to a better home - again hopeful:)
So beautifully captured with your voice.
Love from beginning to end:)
4th Oct 2022 00:04am
As i said up there, this is factual fiction. In that it isn't her personal story. It's my experiences down where she is from.
Modern era has not reached the entire globe by any means. It's a shock to see. And to feel, if you have any empathy at all.
The value systems are entirely skewed to fit their situations. I understand it, but it is no less a total mind-explosion.
My neighbor, who did come from squalor down there, has two sons. One is a preacher and one is an IT tech. Their dad died youngish, from cancer. So she's accomplished a lot on her own since then. She doesn't date, has no desire to.
She does her church thing. And she is a very happy woman.
When she accidentally touched my arm, she literally did pull back like she got shocked. It was kinda funny to me. And yet in my head, I said "aww wow, she isnt used to touch anymore".
So I punched her arm and gave her a bunch of noogies on her head!
Not really. Lol
Thank you mama, and hug your boys. Some countries trade them like stock. Really.
Modern era has not reached the entire globe by any means. It's a shock to see. And to feel, if you have any empathy at all.
The value systems are entirely skewed to fit their situations. I understand it, but it is no less a total mind-explosion.
My neighbor, who did come from squalor down there, has two sons. One is a preacher and one is an IT tech. Their dad died youngish, from cancer. So she's accomplished a lot on her own since then. She doesn't date, has no desire to.
She does her church thing. And she is a very happy woman.
When she accidentally touched my arm, she literally did pull back like she got shocked. It was kinda funny to me. And yet in my head, I said "aww wow, she isnt used to touch anymore".
So I punched her arm and gave her a bunch of noogies on her head!
Not really. Lol
Thank you mama, and hug your boys. Some countries trade them like stock. Really.
Anonymous
2nd Oct 2022 11:43pm
This is lush.
Firstly, first person narrative is totally your bag.
The ending and the beginning is just so pure in its observation. I think to do an observational piece justice you have to become part of it — and this does that so effortlessly.
If I still drank I’d sip a fine aged whiskey and sit back after reading just to say ‘damn’.
Yup. Quality. Thank you for sharing.
-M
Firstly, first person narrative is totally your bag.
The ending and the beginning is just so pure in its observation. I think to do an observational piece justice you have to become part of it — and this does that so effortlessly.
If I still drank I’d sip a fine aged whiskey and sit back after reading just to say ‘damn’.
Yup. Quality. Thank you for sharing.
-M
4th Oct 2022 00:18am
I like the fact that you keep the "e" when you write the word whiskey. I respect that.
Some lazy ass Americans here, and their "Whisky". .. wtf.
Later I will pour two shots of my Jameson. One is yours, so I will raise it your way.
In a way, I lived it through my eyes and thoughts, when I was deployed down there. It doesn't leave you, if you have an actual caring gene in you. It's knee breaking, to watch, and not intervene.
And, thank you for sharing your comment with me. I know you're a hecticly busy person as of late, so thanks for sparing a moment here. I appreciate it.
Some lazy ass Americans here, and their "Whisky". .. wtf.
Later I will pour two shots of my Jameson. One is yours, so I will raise it your way.
In a way, I lived it through my eyes and thoughts, when I was deployed down there. It doesn't leave you, if you have an actual caring gene in you. It's knee breaking, to watch, and not intervene.
And, thank you for sharing your comment with me. I know you're a hecticly busy person as of late, so thanks for sparing a moment here. I appreciate it.
6th Oct 2022 1:09am
Your storytelling is just so good. You never lose my attention, and that's saying something.
And then there's phrases like "the dark holes in her eyes where her sons should be".... that just make me catch my breath.
This is such a beautiful, human story of companionship and empathy. It's lovely of you to let her keep trying to save your soul! Perhaps she's already succeeded, just not in the way she's been trained to recognize. Or maybe you're saving her, who knows. Whatever... 😉
Wonderful write.
❤️k
And then there's phrases like "the dark holes in her eyes where her sons should be".... that just make me catch my breath.
This is such a beautiful, human story of companionship and empathy. It's lovely of you to let her keep trying to save your soul! Perhaps she's already succeeded, just not in the way she's been trained to recognize. Or maybe you're saving her, who knows. Whatever... 😉
Wonderful write.
❤️k
6th Oct 2022 1:34am
Hiya Red!
Thank you, I truly appreciate your insight. I know it's a long write. So any one who sticks with it, I hope feels it was worth their time.
You're right. She is secretly trying to wear me down. Lol. It won't ever work. But, doesn't hurt to listen. And, I never mind helping good people. It's one of our purposes in this life.
Being a good person deserves recognition somehow, at some point. She deserves plenty.
Thank you, I truly appreciate your insight. I know it's a long write. So any one who sticks with it, I hope feels it was worth their time.
You're right. She is secretly trying to wear me down. Lol. It won't ever work. But, doesn't hurt to listen. And, I never mind helping good people. It's one of our purposes in this life.
Being a good person deserves recognition somehow, at some point. She deserves plenty.
Anonymous
3rd Mar 2023 2:45am
If she openly carries a Bible well......
That's about the only comment I can leave 😊
You know what? it's kind of cool back here in the archives
That's about the only comment I can leave 😊
You know what? it's kind of cool back here in the archives
3rd Mar 2023 3:18am
When I find a writer that intrigues me, I read through several of their writes, to get an idea of what they're about. It's who we are, in here. It's all we have.
Plus, many times you can see their progression. And they're blossoming, even. It's pretty cool to me.
And yes, she still carries a bible a lot. She's backed off a great deal about rehabbing my soul. Lol. Maybe she realized I didn't need it.
Plus, many times you can see their progression. And they're blossoming, even. It's pretty cool to me.
And yes, she still carries a bible a lot. She's backed off a great deal about rehabbing my soul. Lol. Maybe she realized I didn't need it.
Anonymous
3rd Mar 2023 3:31am
I can't imagine a bigger compliment than someone realizing your soul is intact and that you don't need help. That's fucking perfect if you ask me
3rd Mar 2023 3:46am
Or, she got tired of the futility of it all. Probably that! I'm a good guy to my neighbors, etc. But, I'm not easily swayed. Except by brownies. Lol.
4th Mar 2023 11:01pm
Once you dive into one of your long poems, the fact that it is long disappears. You cannot wrench yourself away from it.
This outpouring with ease, I wish I knew how to do. Congratulations.
This outpouring with ease, I wish I knew how to do. Congratulations.
5th Mar 2023 00:22am
Increasingly, it's such a fast paced world, and I'm still hobbling through with my long writes.
Thank you for not minding to slow down a bit with me. You're great company, Alviola.
Thank you for not minding to slow down a bit with me. You're great company, Alviola.
