That Special Drawer

a place where memories live

artwork by Ernst Czernotsky

Memories
wilted corsages
      their aroma still haunting

black and white photos
their zig zag borders somehow in tact
long after the names have been forgotten
           to protect the not so innocent
crumpled snippets of songs
                ones that were never quite written
while one broken strand of pearls
does the nasty with another
      a giggle sticks in my throat
oh how this splintered life whistles
just a bit off key in a cabaret act
no one comes to see anymore
          except of course me
               whenever I open that “special” drawer

Reviews

[AprilRN1210]

I have a "memory box" in which I have collected certain "precious" things over the years that carry personal value that cannot be replaced.. I adore the times I just sit and look through it.. reliving those special times in my life.. those pictures... those pages written... those trinkets... snippets of a lifetime.... reserved for this VIP audience... powerful, moving, and beautifully written as always ma'am... I like how you mixed the vivid imagery with the palpable emotion.. well done ma'am... special indeed..

[Lydia Shutter]

Your reviews are just wonderful, April. Thank you very much. Lydi**

[B.J]

I had one of those a long time ago, trouble is I lost touch with it. Memories now held in my heart. Great work

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks, Barb. Lydi**

[B.J]

you're welcome

[Trace]

I am picturing you puttering around the house, with something nudging the back of your mind
Wanting you to write something, but your muse is out galivanting.
Then you open that drawer and the inspirations come flooding out .

Seeing the old broken strands of pearls all twisted and knotted together was all it took.
but how you put it all into this amazing poem is what makes you the amazing poet I love.

Huggs. Trace

[Lydia Shutter]

Trace, you just made my day. Thank you so much. Lydi**

[Norman T]

I also have one of those "special " drawers and never cease to be amazed at what I find after I have forgotten all about them Old poem, pencil sketches ,photos and things that "might come in useful one day....."
A beautiful written poem, enhanced by the superb painting that accompanied it.

Norman

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you again, Norman. I appreciate your review. Lydi**

[Dee]

Wonderful work Lydia, emotional and beautifully written. Your choice words, clear imagery and wonderful flow make it a joy to read...I have such a drawer and I often go through it.. but it always ends in tears. This work reminds me some of 'The Bottom Drawer by Amelia Edith Barr. I so love that poem and get teary eyed every time I read it.. A pleasure to read and review such fine work Lydia....Bravo..Dee.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much, Dee. I appreciate your review. Lydi**

[MsJewel]

Oh yes...that special drawer filled with memories that will leave us with a smile..if only for a moment.
Another exceptional poem Lydi. I never get tired of reading you.

:) Julie

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks, Julie. Have a wonderful weekend. Lydi**

[Tom]

Those little keepsakes and memorabilia that gather as the years pass, indeed hold precious memories and sentiment of times past and loved ones now sadly no longer with us !

A touching, reflective poem, finely conveyed as ever Lydia !

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much, Tom. The month of August holds many "anniversaries" for me....the memories flood me. Lydi**

[Tom]

Me too Lydia....it's my birthday today !

[Lydia Shutter]

OH MY....today would have been my father's 100th birthday, Tom....we have a connection! :) Happy Birthday, my friend.

[Tom]

Thank you Lydia, ps. So envious of all that lovely sunshine you're having....hasn't stopped raining here in N.Ireland all week !!

[Lydia Shutter]

I hope you have a sunny day soon, my friend. It is VERY hot here....you would just melt. Every day about 94-96 with heat indexes far higher. Enjoy your birthday no matter what the weather.

[Beccy]

I want a drawer like that; I have a few memories already, but not nearly enough to fill it as full as you have.

A lovely, gentle little poem that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Beccy.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much, Beccy. Lydi**

[Sophy Freebirds]

" crumpled snippets of songs that were never quite written"- what an exquisite phrase.. touched my heart.Yes it is indeed a very enchanting experience to savour this drawer of memories to which only we have the key.. :) a wow write Lydi

~Sophy

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks again, Sophy....I have been writing for so long now....occasionally I come across a line I wrote and stored away before it was expanded into a poem or a song. Lydi**

[Sheila Kline]

It is always such a grand adventure to open as drawer as this and relive the memories that spring forth with each "new" discovery! You have captured the essence of such a time with thoughts as these - and the photo is so very appropriate. I would like to whisk myself away to the room where this bureau is found.
Lydi, you never cease to entertain with your wonderful collection of words!!!

[Lydia Shutter]

Yes, you absolutely understood my meaning.....and I am so happy you did. Thank you for this lovely review, Sheila. Lydi**