I’m fine.
That’s what you want to hear.
I’m fine.
I’ll say it loud and clear.
I’m fine.
It’s easier this way.
I’m fine.
Pretending everyday.
I’m fine.
It’s normal to wake in tears.
I’m fine.
Haven’t had a break in years.
I’m fine.
Trying to find that level ground.
I’m fine.
Wondering who I hope will stick around.
I’m fine.
Cause that’s the me you want to see.
I’m fine.
But she’s the she I no longer care to be.
I’m fine.
Losing something which never was.
I’m fine.
Just keep going, cause that’s what one does.
I’m fine.
Trying each day to set things right.
I’m fine.
But waking most days too tired to fight.
I’m fine.
Wondering if death came before dawn.
I’m fine.
And if Mom is alive, how to stay kind.
I’m fine.
Cause every day it’s just the same.
I’m fine.
The same recording on endless play.
I’m fine.
While the rest of the world gets on with its day.
I’m fine.
As hair by hair, my years now show.
As lines overtake my burrowed brow.
As my strength builds, then suddenly goes.
As the walls of my home begin to close.
As each day’s remnants turns to dust.
As I do each day what I know I must.
I’m fine.
I’m fine.
I’m fine.
Author: Anne Celano Frohna
I have been writing for as long as I could hold a pencil in hand and would not feel complete without it.
And I actually made a meager living at it (and as an editor) for 25 years.
I worked for newspapers and magazines, in graphic arts and advertising, and wrote several local history books.
But I have also taught English in Japan, been a Nanny/family chef in Italy, worked in and for museums, was an Airbnb Superhost for four years, as well as an Etsy shop owner, where I sold vintage items I found over the years at thrift stores and yard sales.
After moving to Arizona with my family in 2010, I completed a series of different writing projects, including two books of creative non-fiction:
Just West of the Midwest: a comedy (Based on journals I kept during my two years as an English teacher in rural Japan.)
Within Close Range: short stories of an American Childhood (Short stories and poems about growing up as the middle of five children in suburban Chicago.)
But in the past few years, I have found my voice in poetry.
I am a mother of two wonderful girls, Eva (26) and Sophia (24) and wife to one wonderful husband, Kurt.
In 2023, with our girls grown and off on their own, my husband and I packed up our things and moved to the tip of Italy’s heel, to the Salento region, where I continue to work on my poetry, as well as a new fiction project, and indulge in my passion for mosaics - all of which you can view on my Instagram page @ acfrohna.
View all posts by Anne Celano Frohna
Dog-eared Stories by anne celano frohna 