African Necklace



Once my snobby rich aunt
Along with my snobby rich cousin
Snickered and jeered at my new
African inspired necklace while
We gathered for Thanksgiving
Despite my dad never seeing me
Otherwise
Mom sent me over to my dad's
dressed nicer
Than usual with a really cool
Necklace of hand carved
African symbols
My aunt laughed and asked
if I had ever
Been to Africa and went on
To tell of her hot air balloon trip
Over part of the continent
The year before.
And I said no you stupid cunt
I haven't been to Africa.
I was born to teenage parents
Who never married.
My father apologized
To her and called me a brat.

About this poem

This poem explores class struggles within a family where part of the family is wealthy and powerful.

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Submitted by mc.46682 on May 10, 2024

Modified by mc.46682 on May 10, 2024

38 sec read
13

Quick analysis:

Scheme ABCDEFGHIJKLMINOPQPRSTUV
Closest metre Iambic trimeter
Characters 614
Words 127
Stanzas 1
Stanza Lengths 24

Melissa Lynn

Born and raised in the deep south, I began writing poetry at age 10. Early on, I was influenced by Robert Frost. In high school, discovering Carl Sandberg and other poets who used a more open, free verse form, I adapted my own style to that influence. I prefer writings of the struggles of life while examining the duality of mankind. Growing up with a mixed family socioeconomic status profoundly impacted my view of the world. My great grandmother residing in lower class housing projects, mixed with working class relatives, military family, upper middle class relatives, as well as wealthy influential family on my father's side. My family also spanning several religious backgrounds, made it easy and interesting to observe the struggles each group holds unique. I have written over 300 poems since age 10, many of which were lost during many family moves as a child. I began writing again in my 30s and continue if a topic inspires me deeply. more…

All Melissa Lynn poems | Melissa Lynn Books

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    "African Necklace" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 20 May 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/187427/african-necklace>.

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