Blog

1973

November 13, 2015

imageIt’s 1973

i have authentic white tiny flowers in my hair

the way i was supposed to live

walking for my aunt, down the tiny cobblestone roads

in the middle of summer, following the gorgeous bride,

in the village, my parents were born and fell in love,

singing Greek songs in the open air,

watching how the Mediterranean sun plays golden tricks

on my mother’s short 70’s crew cut.

It’s 1979

on the plane with my dad

emergency landing to tend to the sick

his father is dying and everyone is talking about

olive trees. my hair is too short for Europe

my knees too knobby but everyone loves my accent

they say i’m beautiful

i sleep at the top of the hill with my cousin Mimika

and two other cousins have my name and moles.

I find it weird that we all look alike yet no one sees

the sun’s brilliance like me

or notices how the moon shines at twelve years old.

they want all my clothes and look at the brand names

while i care more about the sky and my grandmother’s sad eyes.

she likes to hug me like it’s the last time she will

every hug feels like her last hug.

i felt death hug me when she squeezed and kissed me like that.

we sleep in the afternoon or climb out the window to play with the hens.

It’s 1991

everyone my father loved has died

I’m backpacking through Europe with my best friend

and we visit my childhood

but it’s so long gone,

i slept all through Paros

Santorini saw all our dirty laundry

Pensioni Andre had no mirrors

so we hid well

under the sun’s rays.

Every day lasted forever

every love a lifetime.

It’s 1998

I’m three months pregnant in Agadir

and doing some kind of pregnancy test

it feels like this baby will live

and he does.

my life will never be the same again

i’m a mother

now.

It’s 2001

the ultrasound indicates it’s a girl

and i cry like a baby

praying she’ll stay warm and safe

and never leave me stranded.

with blood and tears.

it’s 2011

everyone sees Greece through the eyes of my children

and we love each other madly

every year

every ocean

brings us closer

to death

and the cup we were

meant to drink

together

and

finally alone

is full of memories

and our future is still

full of dreams.

he says no matter how old you are
you are always young to me

you never age.

i love you.

these are the years that grab me

make me cry to our song

and i sign death certificates.

i grab hold of my soul

and shake it a bit

then i silence it.

you thought you knew me

but truly it’s 1973

and the sun is the brightest i’ve ever witnessed

and my mother’s beauty haunts me.

Christina Strigas

Comments:

39

  1. Jarrod C says:

    This is an amazing piece Chrissy. You are still beautiful…in 2015.

    1. Chrissy says:

      wow, that made my day x

  2. So amazing. ..beautiful

    1. Chrissy says:

      Thank you Christine, hugs x

      1. My pleasure Lovely. Hugs back. x

  3. Have to agree with the above two comments!

    1. Chrissy says:

      thank you so much x

  4. HemmingPlay says:

    This …. this… I don’t know the words. Maybe the best I’ve seen.

    1. Chrissy says:

      well I’m humbled you think that x

  5. Erika Kind says:

    That was a very poignant journey through your life, Chrissy.

    1. Chrissy says:

      glad you enjoyed Erika x

      1. Erika Kind says:

        I appreciate it a lot that you made us part of your history, Chrissy! Thank you.

        1. Chrissy says:

          I appreciate you and your lovely kind words. Bless you x

  6. megdekorne says:

    Chrissy …my breath has been taken , my heart …your words bring a sense of wonder so fearless and unbridled …and well , tender , of terror and celebration . Love , megxxx

    1. Chrissy says:

      thank you Meg, I’m touched by your comment x much love

  7. Chrissy, you have really touched me with this!

    1. Chrissy says:

      thank you for telling me x

  8. Heartafire says:

    I’m blown away…that doesn’t happen often! Hats off!

    1. Chrissy says:

      thank you so much x

      1. Heartafire says:

        it was my pleasure to read your lovely poetry.

  9. Chrissy says:

    much love back to you Eric, been going through some personal shit so it’s taking me a while to get back here. so glad you enjoyed that. x

    1. Eric Syrdal says:

      You are a brilliant poet. I’m always in awe of your work. I’m sorry about the person stuff. I hope it calms down for you soon. All my best. <3

      1. Chrissy says:

        I wish the same for you. Thanks Eric. x

  10. Chrissy says:

    you’re welcome and thank you for reading always x

  11. Chrissy says:

    This social media thing can get ugly, and you are never that. x

  12. Heartafire says:

    My emo’s are broke so “hat’s off”!

    1. Chrissy says:

      You lit up my heart x

      1. Heartafire says:

        x…that’s all I can ask! <3

  13. Wow! you are no only a special writer ,poet ,but a marvellous and soulful human woman strong ,beautiful and Brilliant ;Thank you for sharing this Gem ; it’s so wonderfully written it brings a tear to ones eye !!

    1. Chrissy says:

      thanks Ron, appreciate you reading my poetry and always for your support here and on Twitter. x

    1. Chrissy says:

      Thank you for visiting & commenting. That is the poem that most people seem to connect with. It’s in my chapbook which I just published.

    1. Chrissy says:

      Thank you Nick, this has left me speechless. Humbled you wrote this. Xo

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