Jan M. Csillag has lived part of her adult life in England and part in Toronto. She has taught children in the early grades to read, enjoy books and write stories. As a teacher she was able to combine her love of storytelling, writing and illustrating. She enjoys painting, sketching, reading, writing and travelling with her husband. Jan is currently studying creative writing at Koffler Centre of the Arts with instructor Allyson Latta, and continues to discover a love of the written word.
♦ NEARLY ♦
The first time I went to school
the teacher put a velvety pussy willow in my hand.
The first time I knew I could read
I knew I’d never stop.
The first time I rode a bike
my dad let go and I sailed solo.
The first time I drove a car
the instructor put his hand on my knee.
The first time I got a degree
I wore a silly hat and a flapping gown and stood outside in the heat for pictures.
The first time I flew in a plane
I waved goodbye and stayed for fourteen years.
The first time I taught a class
I was in another country and I was more scared than they were.
The first time I got married I wore
a long, brown dress and a very young smile.
The first time I saw my daughter
the nurse put her exquisite softness into my arms.
The first time I held my son
I thought how clever I was, one girl, one boy.
The first time I sailed back home
I began to understand “you can’t come home again.”
The first time I got married again
I wore a sensible suit and some maturity.
The first time I nearly died they said
they wouldn’t like to give me any false hope.
Give me some, please.
♦
what a gem……. the first time i read your poem i knew i’d read it over several times and smile!
This is a potent memoir. Its simplicity and repetition, with just the right words to match her sentiments is lovely. The ending is a kicker. We want to know more, somehow invade her privacy to learn about this woman’s journey told succinctly through memorable life events. She connects us to each other. Thanks for introducing us to Jan’s poem.
Mary
I love the flow and structure of this poem, and certain turns of phrase are just fantastic. You’ve definitely got a writer’s spirit. Possible sequel?
Wow, what an incredible poem! So simple, yet so complex all at the same time – a powerful combination!
Jan,
I love your poem.
It’s so simple yet so deep.
It tells us a lot about you but not enough to satisfy.
I want to know you.
Gail
Jan, What a beautiful poem. I got shivers and tears simultaneousl. I can´t wait to read more of your poetry.
Ann
Hello Jan
I promised my mother I would ask whether we are related. We’re not, but a promise is a promise.
Great poem, by the way.