Only If...

How different things were, in the late 80's, from now.

Another
School year
Is starting up
And I find myself
Looking backwards.

Wondering
What if I had gone
To my senior prom.

As
Whom I am
A girl
Dressed in
A formal dress.

While
Alphaville's
"Forever young"
Is played
At the last dance.

Alas
This isn't
The reality
Of what happen.

Instead
I stayed home
Conflicted
Between perception
And reality.

Of
Having to wear
To a suit
If I wished
To attend.

Might
As well been
Wearing a straitjacket
Is how I feel
About having to
Wear a suit.

Sigh.

Author's Note

Originally written September 4, 2012.

Reviews

[TL Boehm]

wow. I get what you're saying here and it is deep and poignant. I did get the opportunity to attend my prom..but I had to have my dad take me...because no one else would ask me out. It sounds sweet - but it wasn't.

[therisa]

Thank you, Tammy. Just thinking about my final months in high school, brings out bitter-sweet tears to my eyes. I hope your prom was filled with more joyful memories, even if you had your dad, by you.