There is no word for “freedom” in biology;
in family idiom, no concept of the Self.
Cruel monsters of my childhood still surface,
lurking too close in the genetic pool.
How can I stand apart? When will I be my own?
In hostile mirrors I reflect my sister’s face
and carry out the day’s routine
using my mother’s knobby-knuckled hands.
Carol Clark Williams is poet laureate emeritus of York, Pennsylvania, and facilitates the “Poetry Spoken Here” readings for the open air Yorkfest arts festival in August. She teaches poetry workshops for high school students, senior centers, support groups, and residents of institutions. Carol’s poems have been published in print and online journals including Mad Poets …
