Becoming Lila, by Joanne Sutera

Lila In Her Key West Garden, by Sandy Mezinis (USA) 2024

Becoming Lila
 
She wants Florida Vacation Barbie,
pink passion lip gloss from Sephora,
a push-up bra from Forever 21.
I want that little girl 
who whispered secret dreams,
and couldn’t wait to fold herself
into my waiting arms.
 
She wants ripped denim shorts,
threads riding high (her words, not mine),
a jade bracelet and a coral choker
to match the hibiscus that dare
to bloom around her.

I want the innocent
still hiding behind those curious 
eyes neither young nor old,
but suspended, trembling,
between what is and what will be.

She wants to hang out at the mall,
to laugh too loudly with her friends,
to attract boys who hunger for them
in ways she cannot yet name.
​
Still with the round curves of a child’s body
she wants the world to see her as grown,
a fully blossomed hibiscus enticing
butterflies and hummingbirds.

Joanne Sutera

Joanne Sutera lives and writes poetry in the much-maligned state of New Jersey.  A long-time student of eminent poet Anna K. Evans at West Windsor Arts Council, Joanne is published in U.S.1, (Princeton), The Kelsey Review, Paterson Literary Review and US 1 Worksheets, and others. She is past nominee for a Pushcart Prize. She belongs to several writing groups and hangs out with fellow writers who tend to be a bit wordy.