Mama says you’re doing fine
A poem by Alessia Vannini
Mama says you’re doing fine
by Alessia Vannini
Mama says you’re doing fine,
But I know you won’t come back tonight.
In front of the Red River, you looked at the sky.
Red is not just its name or the reflection of the sunlight.
Full of hope you pointed at the stars,
But what you’re full of now are just scars.
You were standing on the thin red line.
That’s right where you said goodbye.
Mama says she’s got a sixth sense,
But I see it that she’s only tense.
I am making dinner for you tonight,
While you’re floating on the water down to the countryside.
Mama says you’re alright.
But our house feels lonely tonight.
I’m in pain and I feel bad.
I’m crying in this cold bed.
You’re sleeping on the river’s bed.
And Mama says the news are bad.
The river is full of blood.
You’re swimming in the wet mud.
Mama says you’re on TV.
That’s you smiling in the pic I see.
Your smile goes from cheek to cheek.
I wonder if you were that happy lying on the creek.
I remember the last time I saw you in your body.
Now your bidimensional face haunts each and every wall.
They’re fighting over a piece of land,
And I will never get to hold your hand.
Mama says I’ll be fine,
But the sun has set earlier tonight.
P.S.: A big inspiration for this poem was the folk song Red River Valley. I really recommend you give it a listen – Woody Guthrie’s version is perhaps my favorite one.