Editor’s Pick – Laurie Barrett “Tolls”

Tolls

I miss being young
Summer days in the sun
No worries, only dreams
Eyes bright with passion
My mind acute and bold
With a body curved and lean
Possibilities abound, adventures await
And now, my shoulders heavy with worldly burdens
My mind overwhelmed
No longer clear
My body softened by
motherhood and time
No longer exciting
Tolls have been paid
I have lost. I have won.
By following the rules, I sacrificed to raise children.
With no regrets other than I surrendered myself
I miss the existential optimism, abled by time and form
I’ve learned and hurt
Lost my way by obligations and sacrificial caregiving
Unsure of the choices to exchange, only a wish to not abandon myself
Perhaps she endured,
My youth hidden inside
It may be she who whispers
Her cries cause my heart to ache
Reminding me,
Calling me,
Waiting for me to remember and return
Someday to rejoin in our travels. Lit by passion and strengthened by wisdom.
For my tolls have been paid

“Tolls” by Laurie Barrett is a poignant and reflective poem that beautifully encapsulates the journey of life, the sacrifices made, and the longing for the vibrancy of youth. It was published in the Summer 2023 Edition of The Watershed Journal.

The poem explores the transition from youth to adulthood, with a focus on the sacrifices made for family and the desire to rediscover the lost sense of self. The emotions conveyed are deep and relatable, touching on nostalgia, longing, regret, and the hope for a brighter future.

Barrett uses vivid imagery to contrast the carefree days of youth with the burdens of adulthood. The “Summer days in the sun” evoke a sense of warmth and freedom, while the “shoulders heavy with worldly burdens” and the “softened” body convey the weight and weariness of responsibilities.

The concept of “tolls” serves as a powerful symbol throughout the poem. It represents the price paid for the choices made in life, the sacrifices for family, and the toll that time takes on one’s physical and emotional self. The poem effectively uses first-person perspective to draw the reader into the speaker’s personal experience and emotions. This makes the poem more relatable and allows readers to empathize with the narrator’s journey.

The poem ends on a note of hope and redemption. Despite the tolls paid, there is a yearning to reconnect with the youthful self and rediscover passion and wisdom. This sense of renewal offers a positive and uplifting conclusion.

“Tolls” is a moving poem that resonates with anyone who has experienced the transformative journey of life. It artfully captures the complex emotions associated with aging, responsibility, and the longing to reclaim one’s youthful spirit. The poem’s vivid imagery and heartfelt narrative make it a compelling and relatable piece of poetry.