In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

33 Mirage Once, when I was young, an odd thing occurred. I found myself in trouble for some stunt, Some selfish offense forgotten since then. For a time, my mother’s smile was deferred, And I learned it was something I would want To get back so I could feel fine again. For a brief but blurred flash, from the top stair, I thought she smiled at me.What a relief. I smiled back, but she scowled.What went wrong? I grew confused. I was struck, standing there. What slipped in my reckless reach for reprieve? I grasped a mirage, unreal as a song. I was shocked by the sheer drop from assurance, The vast span that parts us from our parents. ...

Share