Here is my edited poem. The feedback was great during class. I think the last time I wrote a poem it was a haiku in 5th grade.

"Marking Time"

The eldest daughter in a General’s family,

My parents were wrapped around my fingers.

Now I have problems getting out of my chair,

I can barely see the buttons on the remote.

My hands can’t hold much anyway.

My academics outshone my half-brothers.

Pregnant, my family and servants fled China.

Now they say I can’t leave the table

Until I’ve finished my noodles.

I don’t want the damn noodles.

My husband cherished my curves.

No wonder we had four kids in five years.

Now my granddaughter apologizes

For snapping the elastic waistband of the adult diaper

Around my sagging breasts.

I taught English in China.

I taught Chinese in America.

Now I fake dementia.

The nurses want me to cooperate.

At least I am young and free in my memories.