Yellow Sponge
It’s like a sensitive person
who takes on the problems
of everyone around them
I want to protect it
keep its sunny side clean
not wash out pans
or wipe the floor with it
But soon it’s bloated
faded and stained
I avoid contact
or looking at it
I give it a new lease
in a bath of water and bleach
before it tatters and dries
at the back of the sink
Before I decide once and for all
that it can’t be saved
even though I feel guilty
when I throw it away
But it’s easily replaced
There’s always a new model
A clean start
fresh out of plastic
A next generation
without memory or history
eager to please
and to prove itself worthy
_________Colleen Redman / Poets United
January 29th, 2017 9:10 am
A very effective poem…the last stanza seems reflective of the state of affairs of the world
January 29th, 2017 11:44 am
Quite an evocative write! I like the idea of a sponge as a sensitive person taking on problems of everyone around him.
January 29th, 2017 1:16 pm
Sponges and cell phones (and if we some individuals have their way, these days… people too).
But staying with the literal meaning of the piece, I’m glad I’m not the only one who stares at all sponges and sighs for earlier days.
There is so much emotion in this.
January 29th, 2017 1:36 pm
They say a true poet can write a poem about anything – and you have proved this. Pretty cool!
January 29th, 2017 1:50 pm
Love the metaphor of the sponge.. I do recognize it, and in a way it does make sense to buy a new sometimes (but I do feel sorry for the old one)
January 29th, 2017 1:53 pm
Oh, if only we could always keep the sunny side clean 🙂
January 29th, 2017 4:20 pm
Yup! I’ve had them to their “last dying days”.
But, I do sense an incredible metaphor that is heartbreaking.
January 29th, 2017 4:54 pm
Yes. Loss. And Aging.
January 29th, 2017 6:36 pm
This is so clever and well written!
I like that you’ve put “yellow” front and center; it makes me wonder if I don’t sympathize because my sponges are blue. 🙂
January 29th, 2017 7:58 pm
I can relate to the literal meaning here. Unfortunately, I’m sure you intended the metaphor. Both interpretations are sad but the metaphor is breaking my heart. I like what Sherry said. A true poet you are.
January 30th, 2017 1:25 am
I have several yellow sponges in stages of decay. The tatty-est for floor wipes. I must get out a new one at the first hint of a cathair hiding upon them, then banish them from dish duty.
If only we thought the same way about worn lives. You can feel used up when older. There are still s few good scubs left in me tho!
January 30th, 2017 2:01 am
Good analogy.
January 30th, 2017 8:09 am
Heavy sponges sometimes reach their limit – perhaps we do not entirely lose them.. but take them into our next world..
January 30th, 2017 12:47 pm
I was yellow and unspoiled once, fresh and newly released from my plastic. Nowadays, I’m only raggedy and worn, migrating slowly to the slop pile.
January 30th, 2017 3:45 pm
Wow! A lesson in the organization of social power from a yellow sponge who innocently does whatever is needed enroute to her mildly regretted but soon forgotten death. I have high hopes for youth, but hope they go out there a little more prepared than:
“A next generation
without memory or history
eager to please
and to prove itself worthy”
Brilliant!