The Unexpected Timeline
NOTE: Preparing for the next critique session of my writers’ group, I chose to explore the first of two given prompts. Having in hand the theme of “unexpected,” I wrote the following prose poem last Friday evening. Thus, the “yesterday” of this poem was September 22, 2016.
Each of us has a timeline with many planned and expected happenings; then, also, for each life, there is the timeline of unexpected happenings.
The Unexpected Timeline
by Alice Jane-Marie Massa
At age ten,
bouncing down the stairs from the living area
into the first kitchen
of the restaurant
and colliding with a pan
of boiling water:
unexpected
summer burns,
unexpected
change of summer swimming plans.
At age 29,
having just toured the Astor Garden
and part of the mansion
in Newport, Rhode Island,
realizing the debonair son of the house
was formally presenting to me
a huge hybrid rose of variegated pinks:
unexpected
Cinderella moment,
unexpected
envy of all the old ladies
on the tour bus.
At age 33,
having completed all preparatory work
to become a certified braille transcriber,
handing my brailled manuscript
to an employee
at the Library of Congress:
unexpected
transition of life.
At age 47,
losing
my extraordinary dad
and my first cherished Leader Dog Keller
within exactly two weeks:
unexpected
duality of grief.
From June 6, 2009,
until July 1, 2010,
having together
my retired guide dog Heather
and my then young Leader Dog Zoe:
unexpected
joy and harmony.
On March 16, 2016,
my remarkable Leader Dog Zoe’s
extremely sudden passing:
unexpected,
unexpected
rupture of two hearts.
Yesterday,
walking with fourth Leader Dog Willow
and meeting a former student,
hearing his kind and complimentary words
about my teaching English:
unexpected.
Now, my former student
is the city’s construction supervisor
for two 32-story skyscrapers,
four blocks from my townhouse.
Next, when I hear
the incessant pile-driver’s
breaking the peace,
I will think of Peter, his work and kind words:
I will think of how life goes on,
builds upward,
with and without precious parts,
to new points
on the unexpected timeline.
PAW-NOTE: On September 24, this past Saturday, Leader Dog Willow and I marked three months of our working together in Milwaukee, by walking fifty blocks and stopping at Panera, which was one of Zoe’s favorite places.
Have an unexpectedly wonderful week!
Alice and Leader Dog Willow
September 28, 2016, Wednesday
alice13wordwalk 
Alice–This beautifully written piece is a reminder that we never know what’s around the corner. The balance of painful and joyous events shows that life is composed of both, and it’s up to us how we deal with what is dealt to us. The way you describe Zoe’s death as “two ruptured hearts” is so powerful. And how nice to have a positive comment from the former student to help you deal with the construction noise. I will be thinking about and re-reading this poem often.–Sue
Hello, Sue–Knowing a reader wants to “re-read” a poem of mine is a much appreciated comment. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts on “The Unexpected Timeline.” I am so glad that my blog gives us another way to keep in touch. Warm regards, Alice and Willow
As a therapist, I often use a timrline, or lifeline, to help people remember, and honor, significant memories and life events as a way in to healing. This poem is clearly a beautiful, straightforward path–Timeline–for your life, Alice. What an open, pure, vulnerable view into a life well lived, filled with joy, accomplishments, love and loss. As usual, thanks for sharing your life, and your gifts.
Hello, Paula–Thank you for connecting my poem with one aspect of the important work that you do. I certainly appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts on my blog.
Warm regards, Alice