just sometimes

artwork by christiane vleugels

these days

my life runs slower

than my nylons used to

way back when dressing for the day

meant more than shorts and a tank top

words are hidden behind my mask 

and thoughts woven like an almond cake crust

i do remember though

and sometimes

just sometimes

i reach out for you

like my morning cup of coffee 

needing to share it all with you

and still surprised to find you are gone

Reviews

[Robert Trakofler]

some things really do get so ingrained in us we reflexively reach for them even when they are long since passed:( This is so truly a sweet reflection... a bit sad yes, but endearing at the same time. Im raising my last cup of morning coffee to you O'Lydia:)

[Lydia Shutter]

Awww, thank you, Robert. These days of covid have made me a bit melancholy for the good ole bad ole days. Hope you are well. Lydi**

[emmajoy]

Beautiful wording, soft and oh so real, Plus a lovely graphic to share with it. But, Lydi, dear friend, your words are so very sad. Wondering if you're missing a very special woman? Times, perhaps unexpectedly, memories and thoughs galore pop into mind and veils the day to day, Hope you know am around more often or not evenings if you have time for an exchange, however many or few. Sending you smiles and hugs of a kind, prayers and hopes that you and every one of your darlings are taking care, keeping safe. Always, Em

[Lydia Shutter]

Emma, your thoughts are appreciated, but truly I am fine. Poetry does not always reflect the emotions of the moment, does it? Hope all is well with you, Emma. Take care, my friend. Lydi**

[emmajoy]

You're so right, Lydi, but ilike to check that friends are keeping well and on top of things generally. Knowing you, you feel the same! Am okay thanks busy at times, tired at others! Wishing you, your darling and wonderful family happy days, Hugs and all. x

[Ken Simm.]

Poignant words couched in familiar terms like nylons running. How we reach for those who are the memories that made us.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much, Ken. Lydi**

[Einstein Noodle]

we reach out over time and distance in longing memories ... i have so many it seems ... some people are simply not meant to let go of perhaps ... i think you poem has strong scene setting ... is very relatable and emotive ... i can see her in grey mist ... no concrete room nor furniture necessary .. creative imagery says i .. especially delighted by the almond cake crust ... woven .. steamy and aromatic ... the nylons are the cats meow ma'am ... i was in love with the Genesee Beer Girl :) She wore black fish net stockings that captured me heart and soul growing up in Up State NY. .... thanks for sharing Lydia .. i feel wistful and sad ... but comfortable in remembering lost loves
E.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, E. Lydi**

[AJNJ]

When someone becomes so much a part of us and our life, their absence doesn't register or perhaps we just don't want to let go of something so dear. The void is deep and it seems to suck away all the great times, leaving little reason to dress up for the world outside. A beautiful poem, dear Ms. Lydi.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Pestonjee. I appreciate your review. Lydi**

[AJNJ]

It's such a pleasure always....🌹

[Chris Shaw]

Fabulous opening Lydi**. I too can remember the runs in nylon stockings. Quite a way back and held up by suspenders that always seemed to drive men wild :) I can also remember the age it would take to get ready for a date. Much more comfortable these days dressing down. Felt the nostalgia here and the loss too. Could be your mum you are missing over your morning coffee. Lovely work and stunning artwork. Oh to look like her :)

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

Garters and stockings....oh yes, I remember. Also remember the indentation they made on the thighs! Yes, missing my mom, my dad, and various other people, Chris. A nostalgic day for me. It happens. Thank you so much for the lovely review....and, yes, I wish I could look like the lady in the painting! Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Oh my you've just reminded me how uncomfortable suspenders were, all those indentations on young flesh. How we suffered :)) Have a great day Lydi**.

[Lydia Shutter]

But we made it, didn't we? LOL

[Lorry]

Yes indeedy Lydi, you built this one so beautifully and subtly, that I barely noticed the cliff edge at the end until I'd fallen over it.
I can certainly relate to the not worth getting dressed to impress for one, I spend most of my home life in pyjamas and even making an effort means wearing my least creased clothes. My clothing sense wouldn't impress a down and out, comfort over class every time.
Yet we all can stumble over the edge when the reverie is replaced by realisation that they are indeed gone.
That cliff should have a safety net erected around it.
Beautiful, fragile words that truly made me stop and think of all those gone.

[Lydia Shutter]

Over the cliff? OH MY....so sorry my words pushed you! I do have insurance! :) Thank you very much, Lorry. I so appreciate your in depth reviews. Lydi**

[Lorry]

You're very welcome Lydi. 😀

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Lydi... your Art is stunning... and your nylon hose running...
Even though someone is gone... we will reach out to share a
cup of coffee. A sacred spot where solitude is prelude to
a song in our heart. You are gifted with a brush that paints
life in colors that blend with skies that smile on cherished moments.
tenderly, Pat

[Lydia Shutter]

Pat your reviews are always special to me. Thank you so much. Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

"my life runs slower than my nylons used to"
as we get older we get more casual in our appearance...we don't try to please as much...but we still remember those with whom we shared that old caring.
one of my favorites from you.
please save a slice of that almond cake...
j.

[Lydia Shutter]

:) that almond cake was my mom's specialty. I have tried to recreate it, but it never tastes the same. Thanks for the review, Jacob. Lydi**

[Ana Papaya]

I do sometimes miss getting all dressed up to go to work. I miss seeing my whole family, beyond my "bubble". I miss hugs.
It seems like now we talk about BEFORE the pandemic when things were "normal".
On some level I'm glad that those who I have lost more recently passed before the pandemic with family by their side. Not alone. Much as i miss them...

[Lydia Shutter]

Yes, Ana...just heard from a friend of mine who has not been permitted to see her mom in the assisted living facility since March that her mom is dying. How sad to die without loved ones near....how tragic. Thanks so much for stopping by. Lydi**

[Ana Papaya]

Yes, it's very tragic. :(
You're welcome Lydi, always nice to pop in on you and your words.

[Neville]

.......... this is both beautiful and sad Lydi** .. I dont know how ya do it, but ya do it ..

crafting consistently great little works of art like this is no easy thing and I take my hat off to you yet again :)

.......... Neville

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks, Neville....any freckles on that scalp of yours? LOL Lydi**

[Neville]

............. Nah, none on me head :)