Dust
You can’t know when you’re young
that some choices are made only once
That lived moments recalled
don’t live up to their originals
They’re like copies of copies of copies
with details that blur over time
With pages that slip out of order
So we stick to the stories we’ve memorized
Recite our lives like familiar songs
that still hold the melody of their origins
As golden years fade to vanishing dust
our inanimate belongings outlive us
________Colleen Redman / Poets United
February 25th, 2018 10:06 am
So true that some choices are only made once. I like the way you talked of memories — like copies of copies & details that blur more and more with time. And yes, eventually vanishing dust. I enjoyed this, Colleen.
February 25th, 2018 10:58 am
stunning – and so perfectly worded in capturing all these subtle truths!
February 25th, 2018 10:59 am
Recalling what we’ve done is always done selectively, I think. So whose memories can we trust, anyway?
February 25th, 2018 11:21 am
So true, some choices can be made only once. Even when repeated, the first time is always the vibrant memory. Lovely work, Colleen.
February 25th, 2018 12:06 pm
Those moments can’t live up to their originals – so true !
And, then we make an edited version of it that suits us.
February 25th, 2018 12:09 pm
What a thoughtful piece…and yes, only once. This is it, the real thing, no do overs.
February 25th, 2018 1:20 pm
Wisdom that I love!
February 25th, 2018 1:41 pm
I just realized that the picture posted before this post fits the poem. That happens with blogging a lot.
February 25th, 2018 1:43 pm
Those copies we seem to favor instead of a new uniqueness is the curse of growing old….
I believe you can find the new originals still
February 25th, 2018 2:50 pm
That opening line says it all….and your words that follow sadly true if we allow it. I hope to be original as long as I can.
February 25th, 2018 4:18 pm
Your poetry never fails to speak to me. Such talent!
February 25th, 2018 4:22 pm
Beautifully poignant. I guess we don’t think much when making choices when we are young.. its more or less about enjoying and living on the edge.
February 25th, 2018 5:31 pm
“Sum of the Parts” aptly titled for this wonderful alliteration… now let me see, where was I?
ZQ
February 26th, 2018 11:37 am
With pages that slip out of order
So we stick to the stories we’ve memorized… so true..
February 27th, 2018 10:39 am
Fine print is an ink that’s hidden
in a pen that can’t write its own ending
Great lines!
A wise and knowing poem.
February 28th, 2018 9:05 pm
This is truly a remarkable poem! You are and always will be the BEST poet I have ever known and to Think you are my sister !! xo
February 28th, 2018 9:29 pm
Thank you, Sherry. So glad you get it!
March 1st, 2018 8:56 am
Very nice. I often think that folks will be stuck dealing with my surviving “things” after I am gone.
March 1st, 2018 9:29 am
I think we all think about that at a certain age, especially after we have seen it with our own parents. I still think about George Carlin’s stand-up act about “stuff.”