Hellifino
We were lost in Indiana—
no signs,
just jotted directions
ending in cornfields.
Dad unfolded the map
as he unfolded his legs
getting out of the car,
wondering if we’d passed
this cornfield before.
My sister, nine—
all pigtails and purpose—
asked, “Where are we?”
Dad muttered,
“Hell if I know.”
She blinked, grinned wide,
snatched the map and whispered,
“Hellifino… Hellifino…”
tracing roads with her finger,
convinced she’d find it.
The car erupted in laughter.
For a moment,
lost was exactly where
we needed to be.
*
Todd Wynn is a nurse living in Mansfield, Ohio. He recently began writing poetry to work through feelings of grief he thought he processed long ago, including the loss of his sister who searched so hard for Hellifino. This is his first publication.
I’m smiling big–thank you, Todd!
Love it!
Nicely done. And hellifino would make a good password.
Love where your mind goes, Catherine.
I was so inspired by your comment that I changed on of my passwords to Hellifino.
Delightful! Sometimes I forget that the poetry of joy can be truly profound. This poem is a great reminder.
I love this!!
Touching and so well done. I look forward to more poems from you, Todd.
Such a sweet surprise. Love this poem
Made me laugh. But so sorry about the loss of your sister.
This poem so vividly captures the often hilarious misinterpretations of a child. Congrats on your first publication! One Art is pretty much the best way to enter into the poetry world. Keep writing.
What a refreshing poem. May your sister’s memory be for many a blessing. Congrats on your first publication… no small feat to have your first be in One Art. Kudos.