Joshua Sutherland Allen

Joshua Sutherland Allen

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Furniture



Pigtails frame the television screen;
Strands of curly brown hair escape their ties
And brush and tickle the tip of my nose.
Squirmy legs sprawl across my lap –
Little feet kick me in the face.

No longer a person of dignity,
My academic credentials mean nothing,
Nor does success or failure in my career.
Now I have only one purpose in my life:

I am furniture.
I am a resting place for small legs and arms;
I am a chair on which sparkling brown eyes watch TV.

All furniture – beds, bookcases, chairs, sofas –
Has limited life.
Cushions flatten and upholstery fades.
Backs and bottoms need new, ergonomic seats;
The old ones are cast off,
In dumps and in consignment auctions.

So will my term as a sitting piece end.
You will vacate my lap someday, whether soon or late.
Your foster placement with us will end,
Or you will grow older,
Not needing a lap to protect you
From whatever coldness the couch contains.

Until that time, I watch your pigtails bounce;
I protect my face as I can from your kicks.
I love you while you are with me,
And I gladly sacrifice my dignity,
My professional esteem, my degrees and accomplishments
For that highest and most valued calling:

Furniture for a four-year-old girl.

14 comments:

  1. Terrific and tender Joshua "I gladly sacrifice my dignity" to make a difference and nurture such innocence... With Best Wishes Scott www.scotthastie.com

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  2. Love it.. the voice of a rocking chair, embracing that little girl.. I remember such a child-size rocking chair my grandparents had, and I hope it's now is passing down in generations.. Dignity always bend to a higher purpose.

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  3. "So will my term as a sitting piece end."..dear rocking chair, until it comes enjoy the soft and tender touch of innocence....beautiful

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  4. This is a wonderful write--full of vibrancy and life--

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  5. This was so lovely. It choked me up a little :)

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  6. Oh Joshua, with what a big smile I read this.......so nice to see you back, I know you have been busy - and she sounds enchanting. No matter how long or short a time she is with you (and I hope for her sake it is long), she will remember your lap , a safe haven, in her turbulent little journey. Bless you! I look after foster kids too, on a respite basis, small passengers moving through my life. They take something of us when they go, all we can do is love them while they're here.

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  7. Oh I love this....I adored the furniture and never wanted to leave those laps, that security and deep love.

    Donna@LivingFromHappiness

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  8. This is so sweet, Joshua!! So loving and real. Wonderful write!

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  9. Yet there is more to come as grandchildren too will learn of this precious asset and sweeter too will be your memories.

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  10. a comforting piece of furniture. don't worry, they will remember your worth :)

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  11. This is a very touching poem. I am especially moved by the idea that she will eventually no longer need a lap to protect her....

    I do hope you will make the rounds a bit here at PU, returning visits...etc.

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  12. What a wonderful act of love and caring...i hope she gets to stay safe there with you for a little while longer

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  13. This is such a unique perspective and approach....from the title to the way you have described your relationship with this 4yr old. It is altogether lovely!

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