only memories

artwork by anna razumovskaya

the rivers of our past flowed smoothly

we floated on a raft of optimism

avoiding flotsam and jetsam

exiling them into unnavigable tributaries

we scrupulously avoided

 

living in the here and now

blind to what was ahead

because it didn’t matter…did it?

venturing here

but never there

certain life would always be smooth sailing

 

problems were things other people experienced

till suddenly

like a chinese puzzle box we could not solve

there it was

staring at me as i looked over the edge of that raft

the reflection of a woman who knew the truth

 

in the morning when the mist rose from the river

you were gone

leaving me with only memories

 

Reviews

[Sanober]

"problems were things other people experienced
till suddenly"...
oh, how true this is. when problems become our reality it's an altogether different story. we want to believe things will always be smooth sailing, and then it seems everything has gone wrong. we are forever caught up in the ebb and flow of our lives. this poem explains it so perfectly. as usual this is full of your poetic brilliance!

[Lydia Shutter]

Your reviews truly make my day, my friend. Thank you. Lydi**

[Bala Gorthi]

The memories, our very own deep property, keep shaking us from time to time taking us to those moments. When no one is with us they are still with us.
This write is one that makes us all well connected , Lydii. Very delicate. Touching and a bit heavy one excellently crafted by you..
Thank you for sharing..

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Bala. Lydi**

[Coyote Poetry]

The poem had the feel of real and real thoughts.
"living in the here and now
blind to what was ahead
because it didn’t matter…did it?"
The above lines. I do like. Memories. Needed in old age. Even the bad days are less painful. Thank you Lydia for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Lydia Shutter]

You are so right, John....the memories we hold dear make everyday sweeter. Thank you very much for the lovely review. Lydi**

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Lydia.

[MOON]

Poignant , life can throw you a curve ball when you least expected. Somethings no matter how carefully we navigate can't be avoided. Resonates deeply

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Moon. Lydi**

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Lydi... I think of my Mother and how it seemed like a mist... and I was left alone... I know we can obtain virtues and make judgements in life. We can bring joy to others and soothe their pain. Even the rain may bring a rainbow of memories. truly, Pat

[Lydia Shutter]

Indeed, we can always bring sunshine to others....and I know you try to do that, my friend. Thank you for the review. LydI**

[Tom]

To live in denial risks that when reality inevitably comes calling, it hits hard and leaves a void near impossible to enclose!

Beautifully scribed poetry Lydia, the vacant emotion is almost palpable such is the strength of your powerful adjectives !

[Lydia Shutter]

Tom, I always appreciate your reviews. Thank you so much. Lydi**

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Profoundly sad Lydi as you chart your journey on the river of life and express the move from young unsullied and blinded love to the reality of being and being abandoned.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, John. I appreciate your review. Lydi**

[emmajoy]

Such a desperate sadness, Lydi.. something so strong, so dejected that I've not seen or felt in your writing before.. or perhaps, have missed.

Those last three lines are heart.breaking.. tearing up, imagining just how that must feel.. almost, almost can.. have. Pain is pain.. in all its colours.

Fact or not, this touches so deeply inside..

[Lydia Shutter]

As you know, dear one, not all poetry is personal. Sadness is part of life just as happiness is....as long as there is a nice balance, all is well. Thank you for your touching review. Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

wow, it's like Romeo and Juliet....at least there is tonight, the closeness, the passion, the love...and it could be gone tomorrow, but at least there will the memories of the night, of what was, even if briefly...

j.

[Lydia Shutter]

I appreciate your review, Jacob. Thanks. Lydi**