Mama’s Stitches

Model Description
This poem addresses domestic violence. If you prefer not to read about that subject, please continue to the next model. Twelfth-grade writer Jessica’s words paint memorable images; her lines present realism without the aura of shame or blame.
Model Body
Mama’s Stitches Mama’s stitches color me like dark crayons striking paper; my beautiful Mama’s stitches find me on the rainy days I try to hide. Broken vase upon cold tile; sorry Mama, Mama—I’ll be better than the little girl I was last week; you said I needed fixing. Stitches, stitches, you say will hold me together; if not now, then forever. I’ll understand one day, how papas lie and kiss their bottles instead of mamas. Oh, Mama, Mama, black and blue the kids at school ask why I have these stitches and I smile and say they’re glue. I’ll stay together better than the best of you. Mama used to sing for me but Papa taught her to learn me right and someday I won’t make the same mistakes. Mama’s stitches stay with me even when they’ve disappeared.