When coming unaware
upon a name once known
we dredge and sift
the murk of memory,
seeking fossils
of relationships.
And in them find the linkages
to the laughter,
amorous intentions,
long discussions;
or
accusations,
arguments,
and the final rupturing.
Or was it all just drift,
as people simply change?
No guilt attaches -
decades pass and lives are lived
without correlation
to the face once known so well.
But a whispered ache remains,
the thought in passing,
the quiet wondering –
Are they living?
Are they happy?
Are they well?
When we are old it is called -
Nostalgia;
but really it is –
regret
at having lost connection
with those who’ve made us
who we are.
And if we do regret,
then we have honoured them
in that admission,
and they are then
well remembered.
© 2008
Author notes
Edited March 28, 2009
Comments
1 - 6 of 6
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I loved your last stanza. It was perfect and flawless. You've spoken truth and reality in this write and that what made it the perfect poem it is. We do feel that even as we're young but maybe as we age we get to feel the loss a little bit deeper. Thank you sharing this, it was a delightful write to read.
Love
~Noor
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Oh, I do like this one!
you have shared, poetically, a vision that passes quite often and for me it doesn't even have to be a name. It can be a similar face, voice or even a 'strange awakening' out of nowhere and then the rest of your poem rides the rails in reverse. Very nicely done James! j
y
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Nostalgia Beautifully Captured
You truly have a poetic gift, which is used to perfection in such phrases as:
"we dredge and sift
the murk of memory,
seeking fossils
of relationships."
As I'm approaching my retirement date of March 27th (also my birthday), I really connected with the feelings of nostalgia which you've captured so well . I liked how you found a way to give meaning to those who have touched our lives, however briefly or painfully, before moving on. It is true that even these forgotten names have contributed to making us who we are.
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SpiritSinger
Nacy,
Thank you for your comments on When coming unaware.
Thank you also for putting me on your favorites list.
Regards,
JG
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Just Great
This is me. Moved too many times in too many countries and left good friends behind. Good intentions don't write the letter or ring on the phone. Thank you for a wonderfully written reminder that we are all human and as such, we err.
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Nice peice J....it is amazing how people do drift in and out of our lives....thats why we wouls should treasure each and every one of them .......peace
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