time’s waltz
Author: Mandy Pennington
Undergraduate Freshman at Greenville College
2nd place Live Arts Contest | Undergrad Poetry
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time’s waltz
hourglass
beach sand
trickling
trickling
like falling off a cliff
the tiny grains scream the loss of time
ticking
they used to live under rough, tan feet swept in and out by turquoise cascades violent some days
gentle waltzes others
the sand dances a swing with the long graceful waves dressed in blue evening gowns take me to the prom and sweep me off my feet bare or heel-clad
wait, that was years ago.
sand reminds me
the times on the beach
panama
orlando
california
but the sharks
ooh
terrified my little sister Rosie 1939
fascinated my little daughter Susie 1961
even the memories fade while I watch the sand trickle
trickle
trick allusion
I lost the years watching the sand dri p
dro p
dro p
drown wait
I’m not ready
hourglass, turn back over
or even empty yourself
send the sand back to its home by the sea
where it happily dances
where it belongs
I belong here
then fill yourself back up with fresh young sand ready to begin
trickling
trickling
all over again for me
sand
so helpless
carried from place
to place
without a fight
but they don’t mind
why does no one mind
am I the only one screaming save me
sand
love me
join me
in the smallest corners of my car
in my washing machine
remaining
never fully disappearing from my favorite sandals so shouldn’t I remain
terrified
to disappear
so much to lose
fear overtaking
of the hourglass
trickling
ticking
the water creeps
claws at my feet
the sand can’t steady me
unresisting, it is pulled back out into the depths
help
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I have loved writing since I wrote my very first novel (about talking animals; it was awful, I assure you) at age 7. English has always been my favorite subject in school. I love the joy and freedom of being able to express emotion and deep ponderings in such a tangible way. I ‘ve always felt a connection to the beauty of words, and have always been inspired by my dad, who is a fantastic writer. I’m so excited to have recently added an English major and am excited to see how my writing will grow and where it will take me.
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