TheBanyanTree: When I Am Alone

[Sharon Mack]

In response to Journal Prompt : March 30, 2004

Write about predictions for your life when you are older....

I wrote this in my late 30's when my children were still at home....I
am older....it has become prophetic for my life today...


When I Am Alone


I will eat soup
When I am alone at last.
Soup and crackers,
Soup and bread,
Tomato soup and
Chicken soup
In a very large bowl.
One of green and one of yellow.
I'll go to bed
And read my books,
And write my poems,
And write my novels,
And no one shall disturb the quiet.

On a bright day,
On a holiday
I shall buy a steak
Or buy a chop
And serve myself
With wine and cheese,
And French bread
On a crystal plate
With a crystal glass.
I shall use fine silver
And a cloth napkin.
I shall play Bach and Debussy
And popular classics of the day,
And no one shall disturb the quiet.

In summer I will open
All the windows
And fuss with my plants
And talk to the cats.
I shall watch the birds
And dig my flower beds.
I will have coffee
And read my paper at the picnic table.
And no one shall disturb the quiet.

In the evenings
With only candle flames to light my way,
I shall run a hot bath
With lots of bubbles
And drink cold whiskey.
I will listen to soft music
and the night sounds.
I'll sit as long as I like
Until my fingertips
Look like raisin skins.
And no one will disturb my quiet.


And for one solid week
I shall go away
And tell no one where to find me
And leave no emergency numbers.
I will go to a play
And have an exquisite dinner.
I will wear my finest clothes
And perhaps make a new friend.
I will tell a tall tale
Just for the fun of it
And not give my real name
And laugh over white wine and caviar.
And no one will find me.
Not even me.

And when I return
I will be mysterious
And go back to my soup
Or a steak or a chop.
I will write in my diary.
I will finish a poem.
I will have coffee in the garden
And whiskey in my bath.
And I will sigh and smile
My secret smile
For I am alone
And no one has disturbed the quiet.

Written by Sharon A. Mack