The house erupted again
with loud and angry words.
Her dark-eyed brother running away
before the MP’s could arrive.
The channel whispered her name and there
by its side she found her peace in lapping water,
the military jets flying over Hickam and sunshine
on her shoulder like a warm embrace.
Looking in the water for crabs and seaweed swaying
like mermaid hair, her own honey hair softly blowing
in the Hawaiian breeze.
Chanel Girl, Chanel girl,
finding your own sense of solitude and sanity
in a world made crazy by parents falling apart.
Years later you returned with your dad,
this time an adult woman on a tour of your past.
The sunshine sparkled off the channel, your father’s
hand holding yours and you both smiled as an
octopus swam within your view.
A message from the mermaids of your past,
smiling at your survival and success.
Chanel girl, Chanel girl, your childhood now a memory
and the channel your safe haven and escape.

 

Lori Hawk Fyfea is retired pilot and a wife, mother, girlfriend. A twice-divorced feminist of the 80’s. Her work comes from her life experiences.