i don't know how to fix this
a poem from QVV's virtual writing session
a foundation cracked, so
we stand on different floors now.
a split-
level home,
in a truer sense of the term.
the warped wood where once sat our father's favorite chair, a
stained-red recliner that never helped him relax, creaks under our weight.
a caving roof, crumbling around us, ensures we will never feel ease either.
the old man may have been able to play-pretend, sitting back, kicking his feet up, and drinking his budlight, but
we inherited a collapsing house.
furniture sinking, and shingles falling;
once bright walls looking pallid and sick, like a cancer creeping through their faces.
he gave us this broken home, and
i don't know how to fix it.
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AUTHOR'S NOTE: the prompt asked that we write a poem with either the title or first line reading, "i don't know how to fix this..."
About the Creator
kp
I am a non-binary, trans-masc writer. I work to dismantle internalized structures of oppression, such as the gender binary, class, and race. My writing is personal but anecdotally points to a larger political picture of systemic injustice.
Reader insights
Outstanding
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Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
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Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Center Stage with Gina C.
*** I'm keen to republish the interviews I did for my series with Vocal creators. It's been a few years and I thought it might be nice to revisit these wonderful conversations. I'll be releasing them one at a time for a few weeks/months.
By Heather Hubler4 days ago in Interview
Comments (11)
The standing on different floors made me see the crack happening in real time. Very vivid. The recliner. Your thoughts about it's comfort. Wow. I am blown away. We inherited a collapsing house. Indeed we did. Your vulnerability at the end speak to us like no other way could. You surrendered. You called it out like it is. And all that is left now, is the vision of what has happened. What once was. Outstanding work Katelyn. Every time I read your work there's something to learn, something to feel. I come away more different and more real. 🤗❤️🖤
I feel this so much. Wonderful visuals.
It really does feel like the house is falling apart around us these days. Great poem, kp.
I don't know how to comment, just sitting here with you.
we always find a way tho. maybe not our generation, but planting seeds always lead to life.
What an apt metaphor for the times we're living in. I wish that I could offer words of encouragement, but I don't know how to fix it or live in it, either. But you've captured my feelings exactly. Excellent poem, kp.
It can make us feel like we're drowning if we allow it. Great poem, kp.
as long as we are learning from that brokenness...not repeating. this is very difficult and your poem reflects so much emotion...(he gave us a broken house, and I don't know how to fix it) wow
Very impactful poem!
A feeling shared by so many, and still no good answers to fix it, at least no easy answers. A great piece with well considered metaphor 👏👏🖤
The imagery you used was really impactful to me - especially “a split level home.” ive been feeling so fractured and split apart from community- like we’re on different floors. Also the imagery of a house falling apart and too overwhelming to fix. Sometimes, demolition is the start of rebuilding.