In April and November, the Poetic Asides blog is all about writing a poem each and every day of the month. During the rest of the year, we prompt and poem on Wednesdays.
For this week’s prompt, take the phrase “Don’t Forget (blank),” replace the blank with a word or phrase, make the new phrase the title of your poem, and then, write your poem. Example titles might be: “Don’t Forget to Leave on the Light,” “Don’t Forget the Alamo,” or “Don’t Forget to Enjamb Your Lines.” I’m sure everyone will have fun with this one.
Here’s my attempt:
“Don’t forget to call”
Don’t forget to call and hang up
before trying to call again.
Dialing once is not enough–
don’t forget to call and hang up.
Make me stand and set down my cup
only to hear the ringing end.
Don’t forget to call and hang up
before trying to call again.
*****
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The poetic form I used above is a triolet. Explore these other poetic forms on Poetic Asides:
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Avocation
since you never
had time
to behold
this particular
downspout
I went ahead
and did it
for you.
http://www.zombielogic.org
Don’t Forget Me
by Juanita Lewison-Snyder
I know we’re blood,
but I don’t want that to be
the only thing that binds us
long after I am gone.
Never mind that we were
raised together, yet separate
from older brothers,
flawed and disjointed this family be.
I would gladly stand
my Vanilla next to your Chocolate
and follow you into any battle
you asked of me.
Take care to always remember
how we fought Pirates and
Demons throughout our short lives,
and later Ghosts with agendas.
“…a Falcon on your right arm,
a Dove to your left,”
let that be my final Epitaph
when the last of my remains
kiss the dappled blooms of
wild rhodies vining lazily
around the edicts of
your heart.
© 2013 by Juanita Lewison-Snyder
DON’T FORGET HOW SNOW FALLS
You’ve climbed this high to look
the snow-queen in the face,
here at the crown of Cornice Mountain.
You’ve herringboned up slope and aspect,
over wind-drift flakes woven,
ermine to drape the Queen of Snow.
Look her in the eye – fierce blue glitter
in a certain sun-glare shifting –
spirited white horse about to plunge.
Ever-changing, no moment
the same. She rolls the ice-dice,
graupel strewn underfoot. How her glance
pulls against your gravity.
With a gesture invisible as wind,
she could set the whole mountain tumbling.
And yet, you’d swear she’s
weightless in lace-white snow.
Gaze one more time into her deep blue-
shadow eyes. It’s time to find
your way back down to trail-head.
She bids you stay. Trust her
no more than a one-night lover.
Couldn’t post to 212, so tried to make the poem work for 211…
Gorgeous imagery, gorgeous lines. Well done, Taylor!
Can’t post anything to 212
Amen to that
Don’t Forget Your Toothbrush
But if you do,
we’ll be here for you,
waiting behind this marble countertop,
standing beside the fern
and rubber tree
with a smile on our faces,
with our hands on your toothbrush.
“Don’t forget it (with Curly Weaver)”
Teenagers on the public playground set
hold crawlplace shadows big enough for two.
(Whatcha gonna do? Watcha gonna do?)
Sky’s getting dark, and as it’s getting wet
bodies too grown for slides find something new.
(Something so new, new things so new to do.)
Time has come—not yet! Time to go—not yet!
Press and promise, Beth, one last taste of you,
of you, Beth, of you, Beth, of you, of you.
We unrumple, climb down the jungle gym,
walk to your front door. Can’t deny the moon,
the bom biddy bom a-dang-a-dang moon
that wanes and waxes some three hundred time
since the last shadow-heated time we met
one teenager’s night on a playground set.
While I’m certain I could find you online,
who I’d find in you, friend, I wouldn’t bet
(not the girl from the playground tête-à-tête).
Beth, I hardly ever hear you callin.’
My emotions are no marionette.
My heart’s no longer my hormones’ puppet.
Yet some wispy trigger has called me to
a feeling I knew I’d never forget
(or if I will someday, I haven’t yet).
Teenagers on the public playground set.
http://fightswithpoems.blogspot.com/2013/02/dont-forget-it-with-curly-weaver.html
Intended indentations viewable here.
“Don’t Forget to Think About Tomorrow”
Don’t forget to think about tomorrow.
While the things of today seem important,
They can quickly be tomorrows sorrows,
And soon all your plans will be discordant.
Though to revel in yesterdays fancies
Is quite alright, at least to some extent,
For theres no amount of apologies
That can bring back lost time already went.
But if a memory can bring you smiles,
Call it to you when today has you beat
And tomorrow looks to be off by miles,
Think of when you triumphed over defeat.
When today seems to hold naught but sorrow,
Don’t forget to think about tomorrow.
“Don’t Forget to Think About Tomorrow”
Don’t forget to think about tomorrow.
While the things of today seem important,
They can quickly be tomorrows sorrows
And soon all your plans will be discordant.
Though to revel in yesterdays fancies
Is quite alright, at least to some extent,
For there’s no amount of apologies
That can bring back lost time already went.
But if a memory can bring you smiles,
Call it to you when today has you beat.
And tomorrow seems to be off by miles,
Think of when you triumphed over defeat.
When today seems to hold naught but sorrow,
Don’t forget to think about tomorrow.
Don’t Forget Your Dreams
Don’t forget the dreams you had
Before life changed your plan.
You knew exactly what it was
Before it was crushed by a man.
Don’t forget what you put off
Or gave up to raise your kids.
What you reluctantly swept under the rug,
That thing you never did.
Life is short and time goes by
The kids grow up
And say goodbye
So you sweep the floor and paint their rooms
And remember who you were.
Then it’s not to late to live
And dream your dream again.
Lovely poem, Lisa.
nice read for lunch verse
DON’T FORGET WHAT’S REAL
Don’t forget this wisdom, dear,
that life is ripe when love is near;
that nights are possibilities
and days, fulfilling as a breeze
that whispers wonders in your ear.
Love carries its own atmosphere:
an ambience of joyous cheer
that casts a glow through winter trees.
Don’t forget
that worldly wealth is but a mere
appurtenance, a passing bier
of promises that never please.
But love is more than auguries;
it’s made of gold that stays the year.
Don’t forget.
lovely
“Don’t Forget to Think About Tomorrow”
Don’t forget to think about tomorrow,
While the things of today seem important,
They can quickly be tomorrows sorrows,
And soon all your plans will be discordant.
Though to revel in yesterdays fancies
Is quite alright, at least to some extent,
For there’s no amount of apologies
That can bring back lost time already went.
But if a memory can bring you smiles,
Call it to you when today has you beat,
And tomorrow looks to be off by miles,
Think of when you triumphed over defeat.
When today seems to hold naught but sorrow,
Don’t forget to think about tomorrow.
Don’t forget that thing that you once forgot.
It may turn out disastrous. My goodness, I hope not!
Now I know it’s something that I’ve forgotten before.
Maybe it’s my house keys dangling from my front door.
Was it a bill I was suppose to pay? The water or electric?
If it wasn’t so dark in here, I could probably think of it.
Let me go for a walk. Maybe that will jog my memory.
Trying to remember that thing I forgot has become something of a mystery.
The ability to remember things usually happens when I’m gone.
Now I’m beginning to wonder: Did I leave the stove on?
Perhaps it was an anniversary. Was it someone’s birthday?
Hmm, is that why my best friend is not talking to me today?
Did I check the mail? Am I expecting anything important?
Do I need to call and cancel something? Do I even have an appointment?
I try to retrace my steps, which do not go very far.
Did I leave the gas cap off again after I filled up my car?
Maybe I left the stove on. Oh. Sorry. My bad.
I forgot… I had already mentioned that.
I think it was a live or death thing. I got this feeling inside.
It’s not coming to me. Hey, why’s my goldfish floating on his side?
Anyway, I’m going to bed. Maybe I’ll remember in the morning.
Man, what’s that smell? Is something burning?
I’m wide-eyed and awake in bed. I’m lying very still.
I can’t sleep. Did I… did I take my sleeping pill?
Don’t forget that thing that you once forgot.
It may turn out disastrous.
But I hope not.
This ones really good, made me smile.
Don’t forget us
I remember the days
when i would go and see you
a loving hand
you would hold out
and teach me my times two
A gentle voice
a loving heart
a wonderful person
right from the start
Always having time
for others
never thinking of yourself
pushing back the housework
to make a conversation and help
At meal times always a place set
everyones for tea
laughter and chat filled the room
you were as busy as a bee
Never ever thinking
that one day would come
that we would watch over you
now it is our turn
Your loving smile still touches us
at will we wish you well
the happy times we remember
not on the illness that you have
we don’t want to dwell
Your heart is strong
your mind is too
were so lucky
to have someone like you
So all that you have taught us
we hold deep inside
we know that you are an angel on earth
your wings you choose to hide
hits home with my mom loved the poem
Thank you this is written about my aunty she has parkinsons and this is how i remember our days together with her. She was so fit and healthy.
DON’T FORGET HOW TO LOVE
(a shadorma)
Heart broken
yet filled with despair,
I was found.
He loved me
and reminded me I can’t
forget how to love.
Cool, Paul, we were on the same track here!
Don’t forget your roots
Don’t forget where you came from
The past is the key
To the future
Don’t Forget …
Don’t forget to do the laundry
I need clean underwear
Don’t forget to check the tires
I think one’s low on air
Don’t forget the cat box
Fluffy just dropped a bomb
Don’t forget to call the vet
That stink means something’s wrong
Don’t forget to pick up milk
Can’t wash down cake with Coke
Don’t forget a birthday card
Your brother like a good joke
Don’t forget to exercise
That tummy needs to shrink
Don’t forget to check your email
Don’t open unknown links
Don’t forget to thank your stars
You live in freedom’s land
Don’t forget to pray to God
And hold on to His hand
Nice.
Don’t Forget the Sacrifice
The willingness of so many
So many that came long before us
Before we were even a gleam
A gleam in our father’s eye
Our fathers and theirs before them
Before them laid the future
The future that they would make better
Make better for all that would follow
The future they worked to ensure
Ensure for the future of all
All were expected to sacrifice
Sacrifice was just part of the plan
The plan put America first
First in all actions and endeavors
Endeavors that would raise the nation
The nation at the top of the heap
The road to America’s greatness
Greatness in the eyes of the world
The world so envied our success
Success derived from the many
The many that saw what was at stake
At stake was the freedom of millions
Millions that came for one purpose
One purpose, one nation, one America
Lest we forget what they gave
They gave their blood, sweat and tears
Tears shed now as we head the wrong way
The wrong way toward the abyss
The abyss that will take this nation down
Down to the depths of utter ruin
Ruin that we may not recover from
From the ashes we may never rise
The question: Is it too late
Too late to save the Great Lady
Lady Liberty is crying for help
Help that can only come from the people
The people that still love America
America: land of the free and brave
Brave that must again turn to sacrifice
Sacrifice before it’s too late
Awesome content and form.
DON’T FORGET THE ONES YOU LOVE
Don’t forget the ones you love,
A simple word placed here and there
A gesture, a smile, a listening ear,
Just to show you care.
For those you know, for those you don’t,
Love them all the same.
Use your time for others too,
Not for every whim for you.
For those you know, for those you don’t,
Love them all the same.
Love them all and love yourself,
Because you love them in His name.
Don’t forget to defrost the turkey
like you did last year
when we enjoyed beans on toast
for Christmas dinner
Don’t forget our anniversary
like you did last year
and I smacked you round the head
with a five iron
Don’t forget the way to the hospital
like you did last year
when I was forced to give birth
on the hard shoulder
Don’t forget that last year was crap
Don’t Forget Who You Are
Dad always called out as I left the house,
and though I knew exactly what he meant,
I feigned ignorance, not amnesia.
We’d watched Days of Our Lives together
back then, something he never admitted—
Was Phillip really Mark? The nun he loved,
could she be his sister? Stay tuned next week when …
What he really meant: Don’t forget whose you are,
a truth I’m learning, watching my own children
growing up, leaving home, finding their own place.
I know now how small the world is, everywhere
bumping into distant kin and old family friends,
certain to call and say, You’ll never guess
who I saw. . . . Maybe he meant what I want
to cry out now: Don’t forget who loves you,
and please find your way home now and then.
This is so sweet. I really enjoyed it!
DON’T FORGET TO REMEMBER
Berlin’s
words of caution
echoed in memory
when she said she’d remember but
forgot.
My Don’t Forget poem is on my blog, so if you have spare millisecond, I hope you’ll pop over for a quick read.
http://miskmask.wordpress.com/2013/02/21/dont-forget-your-first/
~ Misky
Don’t Forget Your Family
Don’t forget to step lightly,
as you sneak in silence
down the stairs.
Past the family photos-
pieces of our lives frozen
on the wall.
Don’t forget to turn off the
light, leaving us in the
darkness of denial.
The delicate moonlight will
illuminate all that you
have hidden.
Don’t forget to lock the door
behind you, pulling lightly as you
turn the key.
Secure us in our house of
deception; we will anxiously
await your return.
Wonderful, Amy.
Don’t Forget How To Love
When your heart hardens
from wounds with no pardons,
don’t forget how to love.
When your tears have dried,
you are hollow inside,
don’t forget how to love.
When you see someone new
turn to look straight at you,
don’t forget how to love.
When you think you’re unique
in hurts suffered, life bleak,
don’t forget how to love.
When eyes meet, if pulse quickens,
face flushes, stomach sickens
you did not forget how to love.
This has a blues feel; it sings. Very nice. Thank you.
Sara – I wrote mine yesterday but forgot to post it…same title. Now that I’m reading yours, you’ve hit it squarely on the head. Lovely! <3
Thanks, Paula and Press.
DON’T FORGET THE SUN
The snow came down in waves
and curtains, white lace dimming
to dark velvet; then alien, mousy-
gray – daylight as through a tunnel;
snow to bury us. But you just kept
on stoking the fire until the kettle
steamed. You asked for bread. So
I pushed and prodded dough, I felt
the yeast come alive between my
fingers, flour gritty with grains.
I kneaded in rosemary, chopped
chives. I watched it rise. Baking,
it smelled of summer. It warms
every winter corner of the house.
This is exquisite. I could feel the warmth of the fire and the chill of the snow. Great job!
could see the story lovely imagery
I loved this piece too! Kudos!
Don’t Forget to Write
You have a gift
that can be regarded as frivolous,
a waste of time,
a gift that can so easily slip
through your fingers.
You have a gift
to take people places
they cannot go,
to help them experience everything,
from flying on silver wings,
running with the bulls of Pamplona
or receiving an angel’s kiss.
You have a gift
to express things on their hearts
they can’t express themselves.
To incite them to love, hate,
become indignant, take joy,
learn what’s important.
You can enable them
to see the invisible
and hope for the eternal.
You have a gift
that transcends time and space
and has the potential
to affect generations to come.
You have a gift
designed to give.
Don’t forget to write.
Dont forget this, please
Forget what you think you know-
Let embryonic thoughts overflow
Catch then with a fishing net
Encrypting, your inner cadet
Blooming, haunting, Forget-me-nots,
They smile at the edge of larger pots
Not all can grow like perfect roses
Find the beauty in ordinary poses
Simple petals can tint your marrow
Arching, silver poetic arrows–
PriyA Jane
Clever, well done PJ!
Don’t Forget the Sun
clouds darken skies and moods
rain and snow comes
unwelcome guests
a change of weather
while I think of another day
more temperate
and more forgiving
warmth to warm my heart
a time of clear skies remembered,
don’t forget the sun
Wonderful poem, Mike.
Ruxton Avenue
Don’t forget the uphill climb,
left at the Loop, up the historic mountain,
trudging past quaint stores smelling of thyme.
Don’t forget the uphill climb,
where, gathering outside the Mate Cafe, voices grind
like the motor of the Cog, churning through Englemann Canyon.
Don’t forget the uphill climb,
left at the Loop, up the historic mountain.
Don’t forget the gifts of time,
glowing like porch lights domed in snow.
Holding the tiny fingers of new life,
don’t forget the gifts of time.
Your snowshoed path swirls behind you like vintage wines,
from rustic fires to cozy bungalows.
Don’t forget the gifts of time,
glowing like porch light domed in snow.
Don’t Forget to Play Pretend
Don’t forget to savor
these small fleeting moments.
Amidst the chaos of diapering
and feeding time, the tedium of
scrubbing and scheduling,
don’t forget the wondrous joy
that exists within these
tiny fragments.
For if you do,
you will miss the simple pleasure
of a precious smile or
the pure delight of innocent laughter.
Too soon, these moments
are replaced with drivers’ licenses
and dates.
Don’t forget to play pretend,
or lick the batter from the spoon.
Remember to stay in your pj’s
all day and eat ice cream
for dinner.
Don’t forget to cherish
those dear little ones.
Don’t Forget to Let Go
Don’t forget to let go at the right moment.
Just then, at the peak. At that moment when movement stops
and you’re suspended, weightless, high above us.
Let go. Don’t forget. Just let go.
Don’t forget the feeling of release.
The brief bit of frozen time when the rules you knew stopped
and life left you with a new one, immutably real.
Let go. Don’t forget. Ignore the danger and let go.
Don’t forget to stick the landing.
Feet meet ground. Knees flex, arms out. The center of you
finds the world again. You touch. Reconnect. Rejoice.
Let go. Don’t forget the time and place. Let go.
Don’t forget that letting go is not an ending,
it is a beginning and a middle.
And sometimes a glorious all. Complete.
Let go. Don’t forget. Just let go.
Don’t Forget To Remember
Don’t forget to remember,
Dancing in the yard with the trees on fire
In Autumn’s blazing glory
Don’t forget to remember
The feel of my hand in yours
How forever tasted on your lips
When you lied that winter morn
Don’t forget to remember
Wherever you may be
You’ve moved on to summer
But I can’t even see the spring.
Don’t Forget the Brain
Shoot and stab
Crush and beat
Do all you want
they’ll keep coming at you
the zombies
the undead
stumbling
crawling
dragging their intestines
they’ll keep coming
unless
you remember
to kill the brain.
creepy but I am smiling
Don’t Forget the Road
He says he knows the road to wherever
he has a mind to go, his old car like
a horse he’s trained—he tells her,
puts a firm hand on her steering
and a steady foot on her gas pedal,
and she does the rest. Sometimes
it’s almost magic that he’s riding,
his mind wandering back roads of years
long past in the dust and haze of dusk
when suddenly he’s arrived,
parked at the place he’d forgotten
he was going, delivered of himself
and roused out of his thoughts.
Oh, he’ll say then, always delighted
to find himself at his destination,
only occasionally wondering if this
is indeed where he was headed.
He doesn’t second-guess himself.
He left home and followed many
a road in life, some paved and some not,
watching the trees run past him,
the dashes of the lanes flashing by,
the morning giving way to sunset,
arriving every time somewhere,
pleased and surprised that his wife
has not called a silver alert.
Don’t Forget
now they’re young women
whom never heard an affirming
expression from their carbon-based father.
They know of him but know
nothing about him except
that they don’t rock on
the easy chair in his heart,
except that one has his face
and irony tracks them down.
For patriarchal sake they cannot thumb
through history like pages of a fairytale
that keep exact accounts with words
that exhibit a good character.
He never called contributions
to say “come see my daughters’ gifts
they will enlarge the pockets of your soul.”
He did not give them building blocks
with which they could stand
taller than their imagined significance.
They look to you with surrogate hope
from breaks in strawberry shortcake
curtains still hanging in the cluttered
room of their souls.
you sure sneaked inside my head for that one! :0
One of the reasons I love to write is because of the common ground many of us have walked on. Thank you for stopping by.
Your kind words are greatly appreciated, Sara.
Last stanza knocked me out. Beautiful poem.
Don’t forget there is always time
don’t forget
as you reach for excuses
lying littered as scattered
paper napkins at your feet
that there is always time
time – that stretches like
taffy when pulled in the
direction of a child’s open
arms, or a papyrus hand
reaching for another touch
there is always time
don’t forget
when winds of yearning
call and dreams beckon
brightly and love is possible
there IS always time
while the sand still slides
down sides of glass
clear the tissue paper
excuses – they will not protect
you from your regret
when the last grain falls
don’t
forget
I love `tissue paper excuses’ Dr. P. Good one.
agree paper excuses – smiling while looking at paper all ar ound and no writing yet this lunch time
Don’t forget that you can use contractions
It really is fine
Perhaps not Comedy Divine
One cannot forget the don’t
Don’t forget me ….
the days will pass
and winds of whispers
and wandering and
wondering will come
and go fluttering like
white wash on a clothes
line on a summer day
the days will pass
and I will be gone
live, love, dance
do not dwell but
please if possible
don’t forget me
Don’t Forget to Smile
If you could only see the light
that you ignite
with your smile,
how little sparks rise up
at the edges,
and reach to the stars
to join in the conga line,
da-da-da-da-da kick,
weaving in and out
of galaxies,
from outer space
covering all of creation
like pixie-dust
back to inner space,
to the place
within my heart,
you would never
forget to smile.
Ellen Knight
Don’t Forget
Those ones you treasured
while they were here
the ones that passed before;
Their memories hold
and keep them near
for they won’t pass here more.
The things they taught you,
both good and ill,
can guide you in your life.
Remember well
each pain, each thrill
their lifelong joys and strife.
If you keep them close
and in your heart,
they’re never far away
Their lessons shared,
their life, their art,
will bless you every day.
Diana Terrill Clark
♥ Beautiful, Diana.
Aw, thanks Hannah! <3
Don’t forget
Don’t forget this memory I have.
Its one we share, though I wonder how close to mine
your version is.
Mine has to be the more glorious vision, because it has you in it.
Yours only has me, and that is a measurable difference.
Always has been. Always will be.
Differences and memories.
Visions and versions of visions
perhaps not forgotten by one of us at least.
Don’t Forget Benjamin
As frost buds and blooms on steel bars
he finally succumbs to the freeze,
fed to the hungry night;
zoo keepers-his plight givers
forgot him and he’s left out-of-doors.
He may have forgiven them,
in the morning, he may have
but zero degree weather is not forgiving
and this mistake won’t be corrected;
for their negligence an entire species pays.
Last of his kind, Thylacine, the Tasmanian tiger,
Benjamin has his last breath stolen brutally;
strangled by the frigid air of winter,
barred from his sheltered sleeping quarters
an amazing creature is sacrificed in vain.
Silently the woods grieve-
openly, Mother Nature weeps.
Copyright © Hannah Gosselin 2013
There’s footage of Benjamin here: http://wordrustling.wordpress.com/2013/02/20/dont-forget-benjamin/
A moving indictment of how we, as caregivers of the planet, are killing it.
Thank you, I SO agree and your comment has confirmed that I needn’t directly state that…I pondered a last line that says what you just stated so well. I appreciate your thoughts.
packs a puch enjoying poetry with lunch
Don’t Forget My Love
That eternity we’ll share
Remember that starry night
We laid and cuddled tight
Under that bright moonlight
An enchanted kiss you laid
Upon my lips so quaint
So long ago we lay
Under twinkling starlight
I fell forever in love with you
that tremendous wondrous night…..
continue reading at http://proseofmellifluous.wordpress.com/
DON’T FORGET TO CHANGE
Don’t forget to change your underwear
before you travel; for you never know
the turns of fate that might await you there.
Don’t forget to change your underwear
in case you crash and then they strip you bare,
to find your BVDs from long ago.
Don’t forget to change your underwear
before you travel. For you never know.
Writers digest 2013
Don’t forget me when the winds blows
In the silence of blankness
In grass in morning
I now walk alone
Dew wet I retreat to my den, my lair of safe thoughts
I will think of you on soft mornings with damp hair
And mind meditated, I head to work to weave
Our memories for another day.
This is gentle and thoughtful writing…beautiful.
Ah.. beautiful .. similar thought – yours is exquisite
Lovely little sentiments hidden every sentence.
Well written!
Don’t Forget The Insane
I can’t see the for-
est for the trees
please don’t for-
get to sieze
the brief oppor-
tunity to sneeze
and do not abhor
my trying to please
Don’t forget to remember
Remember
not once
but every passing day,
how words have lifted you,
your spirits,
your smiles,
in times
of cold silence,
and lonely
moments.
Remember
not once
but every passing day
to spread
the same words
and few more
to souls around,
we all need
them alike.
The sentiment within…so true, we’re each important in the chain of lifting up those around us.
Don’t Forget This
Press it on your heart, a dry
flower waiting. Hold it on
your tongue, acrid and sweet
and staining. Mind its long
trailed tail and the tide
foaming in to erase these
footprints, falling sand
sifting soft like rain.
.
The alliteration of “s” in the end is perfect for the sound in waves slipping in and stealing sand…time. Beautiful as always, De!
Yes , agree with Hannah wonder soft sliding s’sssss
“sand sifting soft…” ahhhh….
DON’T FORGET THE BOMB
Cold War, forgotten, left behind
mad arsenal built by hot nations.
The warheads hiding in deep bunkers
await the Middle Eastern signal.
Revivals resurrect old blood
feuds and future grafted to fate.
Oh, Calvary! Ascends the heavens.
The herald beckons Christ’s return.
Hosanna! Our hearts melt in the flames
fanned by the love of the Lord.
Don’t Forget to Medicate
The plastic pill carrier has separate
compartments labeled by day,
a gentle nudge toward her daily dose.
There are placed the vitamins, the calcium,
the pills for pain, for sleep, for memory.
She watches as her son distributes the pills
admonishing her to remember when
each is taken, reminding her not
to take the sleep pill before bedtime,
but time hangs on her like a dolman sleeve,
drooping and puddling in her lap,
minutes just another space to fill.
Let’s take the memory pill now, her son says,
placing the small blue dot into her hand
and offering her water. This will help you
remember to take the other pills on time,
he laughs. What is funny about this?
She has no problems with memory.
It’s the forgetting that concerns him.
She sits in her chair and observes the yard
the trees beyond the window frame,
their leaves aflame, and reasons
that it must be fall with winter coming soon.
She has all the time in the world
to remember her childhood and home place,
a dog she once loved named Dan,
a man who smiled at her a certain way,
a man she might have married,
holding a baby that might have
been her son, the fleeting words
to a wistful lovely song.
Pills don’t come to mind.
Beautiful poem. Especially love the section, “time hangs on her like a dolman sleeve, drooping and puddling in her lap,” such wonderful imagery.
Startlingly beautiful, Jane. The balance in this is fine and the emotions swirl and fill…so gorgeous.
Thanks, Amy and Hannah, for the kind words.
a beautiful poignant piece, filled with many unfortunate truisms…..
Don’t Forget to Flush
Don’t forget to flush emotions
Ponder valid dreams; an eddy
Swirling’ round the rim
Of regret,
Swooshing
Tears
Yes, Laurie, so well said and so important…I love how your title offers an easy chuckle and the work brings a sigh of agreement…well done.
Don’t Forget to Remember
Do you remember
when I held you in my arms
rocked you to sleep
made you feel safe
Do you remember
when we went rollerblading
riding bikes
playing games
Do you remember
when you cried
and I told you
everything would be okay
Do you remember
I tried to be there
but I couldn’t
for one reason or another
Do you remember
that I love you
and you’ll always be my little girl
no matter what
Aww, this touches my heart.
I have same topic in mind !
And I think I will stick to that
Lovely poem you wrote …
Heart breaking and honest…beautiful poem.
Our big girls will always be our little girls. Every mother holds their children tucked safely in their hearts. Lovely
DON’T FORGET YOUR ROOTS
A poet, rooted in Wood.
A good place to begin.
In the passage of time,
a heart hits it stride
when the pride of from
whence it came and gave
it a name, blossoms within.
A memory lasts when deeply
rooted. One grows with its flourish.
Planted firmly… here.
“a name, blossoms within” I love this Walt, your heritage pieces are rich…great write.
With every root a shoot is born and develops into beautiful pathways and memories
I love this, Walt. What kind of wood are you rooted in?