Deep are the Memories: A Poem
She sank into the depths of her memories
Which cushioned her as she plucked them one by one
From the cavernous heart that remembered how
It felt to twirl in the surf and awaken
At dawn to see the sun rise over the water
Where flickering candles illuminated
The pearls of his teeth and threadbare jacket
As she leaned over and inhaled the spicy scent
Of first dates and eternity to follow as
She sank into the depths of her memories
They stung like stepping on tentacles of
Jellyfish whipping around a stray ankle
Each time she recalled the vicious slap
On her lover’s cheek before he left home
And venomous words spewed forth to seal the scar
Where scalding fluorescents lent angry glare
To the desolate room where she first heard
The unspoken word and the implied
Darkness to follow all her tomorrows which
Aren’t sealed by promises only comfort as
She sank into the depths of her memories.
– – –
23 Comments
Karen
Wow, Natalie! There are so many vivid images here. I really like how you start and end the poem with the same line. It really works with this piece.
Karen recently posted…Murder By Proxy and Other Transgressions of a Bad Buddhist
Natalie DeYoung
Thank you!
Kristin
Intriguing. Already read it through three times, but need to let it fester a bit. You inspire me to try my own hand at verse.
Kristin recently posted…Oh, The Places You’ll Go
Natalie DeYoung
Yes, you should give it a try, Kristin! It’s a fun form to work with.
Suzanne
This is so rich and vivid and full of intensity. Like Kristin, I’ve read it several times and each time I take something more from it. Beautifully done, Natalie!
Suzanne recently posted…Speakeasy: Tidal Memoir
Natalie DeYoung
Thank you, Suzanne!
Roshni
Wow! I’m normally not into poems but I loved how vivid an image you created…particularly the jellyfish analogy!!
Roshni recently posted…WordCamp Los Angeles #wclax – my first blog conference!
Natalie DeYoung
Thank you! And thanks for reading. 🙂
Lance
At least you have the deep memories.
This was rich and strong and vulnerable. Well done.
Lance recently posted…100 Word Song – Lovebuzz
Natalie DeYoung
Thank you. It’s completely fictional, but came from universal experience.
Dana @momsieblog
Holy cats! I left the room… I came back and scolded my toddler, who was toggling w/ the computer. And voila! THIS was on the screen! My toddler has good taste. Lovely!
Natalie DeYoung
How fortuitous! 🙂 Glad your toddler (and you) decided to visit!
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Tamara Woods
This is wonderful! You should link up over at the Creative Buzz Hop. We’re opening up to people being able to post anything they want. We’d love to have you!
Natalie DeYoung
Oh great! I think I will…I enjoyed writing this one. 🙂
Michelle Liew
Tamara is right, Natalie, this is a truly thought provoking read on how we can sink into the mire of our unpleasant memories. I am sharing on the Creative Buzz Hop times, will be out this evening for a round!
Michelle Liew recently posted…The songs that shaped me
Natalie DeYoung
Thanks! 🙂
Author Catherine Lyon
Hi Nat,
Another wonderful example of why I love your Blog! Powerful and interesting choice of descriptive words. Love it! Hope you and your family have a Blessed Easter!
Hugs & Blessings,
*Cat Lyon* 🙂 Xo
Author Catherine Lyon recently posted…“Life Is To Short To Be Unhappy In Recovery”!
Marcy
I loved the image of twirling in the surf, which made me think about swirling through many memories, and then the jellyfish image was perfect.
Marcy recently posted…Attack of the killer squirrel
MOL
Wow! Not only was this quite the evocative piece, it’s so picturesque too. My imagination was running wild as I went from one line to the next. Great piece! Wish I could write poetry like this.
tedstrutz
tentacles of
Jellyfish whipping around a stray ankle… NICE! I liked your poem.
tedstrutz recently posted…Friday Fictioneers: CHERYL DOES A JIGSAW
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