Week 2.6: Lightening in a Bottle

Week 2.6: Lightning in a Bottle is a photo I took for a school project during portfolio finals. I don't want to say too much about the picture. I think it speaks for the poem better than I can speak for the photo.

Lightning in a Bottle

She calls me her “Lightning in a Bottle.”
I’ve been called a lot, but that’s a first...

See, I’ve been called “a glittery high heel
next to a chewed up rubber slipper.”
I’ve been called “sushi and wasabi
next to sopapillas and honey.”

I’m one man’s “Smokey.”
Always have been.
Always will be.
Only for him.

I’m a Giant.
Been that most my life.
I’ve been someone’s Lily Tomlin,
someone else’s Diva.
Someone else’s First Love.

Joey calls me “Sewa.”
Jon calls me “Awesome.”
Nat calls me “Dista.”
Grampa calls me “Princess.”
Someone’s gonna call me “Mine.”

If I’m a color I’m “Rainbow.”
If I’m salsa I’m “Spicy.”
If I’m friend I’m “Favorite.”
If I’m a song I’m “Unforgettable.”

I’m sunshine and smiles except for when I storm.
Mama says if you don’t laugh you’re gonna cry.
Well, lightning sometimes strikes twice,
but even high heels wear out.

© Sarah Doty 2009