Over The Rainbow

It was an event

even in our house

where the watching of movies

was discouraged as something related to sin

the Wizard of Oz

in black and white

frightening enthralling

instilling the belief in happy endings

no place like home.

I so wanted to be Dorothy

and go over the rainbow

singing

playing make believe

I had a loving pup named Toto.

My mother observed this

and hatefully informed me

“She’s not a little girl. She’s a drunk and drug addict with many husbands.”

Later, watching Jack Parr, she came on

I saw for myself what she was

thin frail shaking

forcing the song from her unsteady worn lips.

I was disillusioned for life

losing complete faith

that I’d ever

find the courage, heart and brains

to reach the Emerald City.