In black and white photographs
hung above the mantle
I always saw the shades of gray.
Tree shadows fairly flickered
across the young faces
of my aunts, my uncles
as children in simpler times -
but the stories I have heard
(of alcohol and bruises)
whispered across the kitchen table
belie a darker truth,
never told in full voice.
Times were never simpler -
just the trappings were -
candlelight could not illuminate
the endless complications
told in black and white
and always shades of gray.
Author notes
Written July 31st, 2006
A contest entry
- Used To Be by Utok Bulinaw.
300 points, ended August 12, 2006, 4 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 15 of 15
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old photographs
of a past we didn't see
bring into our lives
haunted memories
of framed pain
Excellent poem Scott. Miss your words and miss the time when I had the time to read them
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I always admire how you manage to put such clear images in a reader's mind with a few simple words. Thank you for entering. Btw, I got your book, I love it. R
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ho how things were simpler,but the briuses and the drinking n verbal abuse still go on in homes today god bless you piant a grey picture great job
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VERYNICE
SO TRUE! EXCELLENT WRITING. THEY WERE NEVER SIMPLIER. -
Scott, this was awesomely written! Thank you for sharing!
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A very well written write,concise,repetetive yet with such imagery it provokes ambience and with a truism that resonates through the ages and nations,times were always a challenge,for such is human nature,quite simply the setting was different.TYou have a talent for gift wrapping a moment poetically and showing not telling,well done,love and light,Yvette
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very good
flowed with emotion and feeling
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This left me speechless....
You have an amazing talent for writing poetry and I'm glad I decided to click here!
Wow is an understatement! This is.....well, I am left speechless
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yup this is what I expect
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Excellant
Dark, yet hopeful, and very unique descriptive talents. -
Oh good, here you are.
This is nifty too.
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wonderful poem,
we all have something secret and that we feel is sacred
because of family and our love for them.
keep on sharing.
its all good.
candy -
Haunting and true I think. Sad that bad things rarely change with time or colour. Simpler times are often called 'the good old days' but there are few good days for some children.
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I agree with miniature heart, WOW. This poem was obviously written with a lot of emotion and feeling and those are felt by the reader when he reads this piece. This is a superb write.
Edited on Jul 31, 4:41 p.m. because ''. -
wow...that was really amazing
<3
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