The Sum Of Time

I am from sepia photographs, impeccable handwriting
and tea stained cups.

I am from lilting brogues, rolling r’s
and ardent arguments behind closed doors.

I am two generations removed from the old country,
where relatives unknown dot the world.

I am from glowing streetlights and darkened stoops
where  gardens of gossip flourish in hushed voices.

I am from struggling wildflowers, broken fire escapes,
potholed streets and cracked cement.

I am from overflowing bookshelves bound in leather
and dreams of more than could once be imagined.

I am the sum of others reassigned.

I am.

Reviews

[Mark]

Another wonderful write! I thoroughly enjoy reading your work.

[icelandicblue]

Thanks so much Mark.

[Lydia Shutter]

Brilliantly written! We are made up of all those who came before us in the black and white photos...sepia too. They traveled from all over the world and settled in the US and you know your history. They have shared their stories and now a new generation will know them. From generation to generation you will teach what they have told you. So spiritual....so lovely. The whole is the sum of the parts and your introspection adds up beautifully. Lydi**

[icelandicblue]

I appreciate your take on this Lydi. Thank you.

[Einstein Noodle]

colorful images including the sepia pics...as i sit here i can smell the musty scent of dust and leather reaching back in history. in our uniqueness it is a good thing to remember the truth of your poem. i am also especially spoken to by the second to last line.
E.

[icelandicblue]

Thanks E. we are a product of history as well as many other things. I feel "molded" by my past.

[Joyce S. Greene]

A beautifully composed self portrait! I love the flow of this one - your poetry always sings and this one hits just the right notes. Excellent!

[icelandicblue]

Thanks a lot Joyce, I wanted to do the self portrait but I wanted to do it a bit differently. I am happy that you liked it.

[Rosaria_V]

I love this, so sweet and you can feel the words. awesome job!

[icelandicblue]

Thanks Rosaria you are always so kind.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Lovely imagery here... I have missed your work in my absence, because you always manage to illustrate such a beautiful and tangible picture with your words.

I am from struggling wildflowers, broken fire escapes,
potholed streets and cracked cement. -- lovely use of juxtaposing images.

I love the closing...you brought it all back to the personal in the end, and I love that. Well done.

[icelandicblue]

Thanks so much Sarah, it is good to see you again.

[Rita L. Sev]

I am the sum of others reassigned...

What a fascinating way to express this! Very cool poem, sharing the facets of you, Blue!

[icelandicblue]

Thank you Rita, I am happy you like that line.

[Angel]

Oh...wow!
This is...well...this is just awesomely beautiful.

[icelandicblue]

Thanks a lot Angel. I appreciate it.

[Travis Gibson (poetic h..]

Another refreshing piece. I really enjoyed the concept of this piece, and executed wonderfully.

[icelandicblue]

Thanks so very much.

[Baby Ricochet]

This is a really cool poem Blue. I'm going to have to try something like it. Maybe "I am Testosterone"

[icelandicblue]

LOL- I'm sure you are that and more!