[Critique Group 2] Emailing: Middle Child--for critique session 9-26-17

[James]

Middle Child
C By Brad Corallo 
Word count 431

In memory of Marie Corallo:

Middle child, who am I?
Who should I be?
Sweet Marie?
That's not me!

Growing up in the shadows of shining siblings-
older sister, younger brother
with parents, volatile and passive.
Love, fear, resentment!
Desperately trying to define identity. 

Incisive intelligence, not recognized by many!
She excelled at office skills,
dropping the vowel ending her name.
A secretary on Wall Street.

Two best friends
married two brothers, recently returned
from the chaos of The Great War.

Establishing their household,
first child, a daughter arrived.
A move to their own home
bought on the GI bill
Two sons followed. 
The American Dream?

But the black dog stalking her from a distance,
at first.
Calm waters troubled by relentless 
waves of waxing anxiety. 
Cocktails, cigarettes, religion 
of no avail against the black dog.
Stealthily padding closer and closer.

Two kids, great depression era;
too scarred, unable too fully relax
in their own skins.
The specter of economic ruin,
an ever present fear.

Panic, mortal struggle,
medications, treatments, break down!
Hospitalization, reassembling herself
transformation, something lost, something gained.

Never a "girly girl" mom
more like one of the boys. 
Yet, kind and gracious to all;
pets, children, hoboes and kings.

My hands, my eyes, my best friend for so many years.
 Her support, through three universities and
my own Hellhound dust up.
Respected and loved by my friends
opening up our home to waifs and strays. 
Ultimately retiring to a beautiful place 
with her husband of 40 years,
well equipped at last!
She always said,
"I just want five years in the sun!"
She got twenty five in stead
The price she paid?
The last two years of her life
a living nightmare!
Frustration, pain, rage! 
Her husband, her rock 
being eaten by dementia.
Then a merciful blessing.
she began the next stage of her journey
just twenty eight days short of ninety two  years. 

>From the Fayetteville NC Observer: 

"This day marks the passing of Marie Louise Corallo (January 12, 1924 to
December 15, 2015). Marie is survived by her loving husband of 68 years,
Charles, her children, Judy and Brad, Carol her daughter in law, her grand
children Jill, Jesse and Sarah and her great grand children Brady Tanner and
Tiffany.   We who remain celebrate her life which she lived with love,
compassion, humor and grace. Those of us who were privilege to share in her
sojourn became better human beings as a result. Farewell gentle spirit while
your journey continues.  You will live in our hearts forever!"

jamesstarfire at gmail.com  
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Middle Child


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