It is not always easy
to go to the past through
old albums and pictures.
Some of them already covered
with sepia memories,
part of my childhood,
old friends of mine.
Surprised I realized some of their names
were lost in time.
No matter how hard I tried
to call them back,
(no, I am not senile, not yet, I think)
I only can remember our games,
playing with ball, hide and seek,
how a boy from the other street
was able to move his ears
making me to laugh out loud
and for this reason he performed for me
some other tricks.
What was the name of the girl who was pregnant
in the seventh grade? She was not yet fourteen
(in the year nineteen sixty seven
nobody was talking about this theme loudly,
I remember how in spite of people’s accusing gaze
she always walked proudly).
I still wonder what happened to her
and her child.
Where are all these pupils from the same class
with wide smiles and dressed with uniforms?
And names?
Where have I lost their names?
Memories are scattered
as a picture in a broken mirror,
some of them still sharp,
some pieces lost, broken to dust.
I asked myself and I wondered
if one day somebody would ask
who was the girl with the light blueberry hair,
playing accordion next to the lilac bush,
is she the same woman
with a book and a pen in her hand
who still holds
an eternal smile in her eyes?
Author notes
With this contest you reminds me to go back to listen to Fado.
In a list
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 11 of 11
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I can understand the meaning of the looking back..watching the past..it is not only a touching travel but at the same time.. it is the tearful as well..a great work you did here..
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I remember with great saudade of the time when I was in school, my best friends, even the teachers. But some faces and names faded away and no matter how hard I try, I can't bring them back.
Your poem made me think of those days, the faces I can still remember and the faces I can't.
Thanks for taking me back to a long time ago
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I would consider it a success if those I once knew looked at an old photo and had no idea who I was...a fellow can dream.
But don't we all look back, and I'm at that age where there tends to be more behind me than ahead...that is a new revelation too, and that is a measure of saudade...I'll never be 21 again, lol.
If you showed me a picture of my graduating class I would remember maybe 10 of the 60 names, and maybe not even remember the faces of half. That is ever a sad thing of more proof of success.
Ignore me, but your poem sent me down that path of memories, proof positive of its achievement.
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It Must Be You Sonja
This is beautiful - many times I have looked at old photos and tried to remember names and places - hey I could wiggle my ears real good when I was younger - could roll my stomach too - lol - almost rolled a cigarette once with my stomach - I like your stories - in this one I see myself - ljepi dan smu imali danas - budi dobra - Josipe ------------------------------------------- hugs
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Humm..sketching a life through words is a wonder which you did and took me inside to your memmories there in the school days..I really participated that journey..well done..
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Aww This is a beautiful write. I believe that you are remembered, for "who you are" ... as a High school student from the time i was in first grade to now, A senior in high school people still remember me as the girl, who always wears a sweatshirt, and always writing in her notebook. I believe things stick with people. As far as I know you are the Beautiful women, I have met to be the most amazing poet. Keep it up.
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I relate
These are questions we all have. It is impossible to keep up with everyone that we meet, some have to slip into the past, slip away, or escape if they want to.
In reading the poem, my high school classmates' faces came to me in a series of still pictures, Ian, Sarah, others, and God knows where they are now.
This is a thought provoking poem, thank you.
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I have done this, too and wonder how I am remembered...wonderful poem
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Outstanding
A beautiful write. Heartfelt. I can relate to this so much. I have wondered about childhood friends whose memories still remain with me. Good imagery, flow and tone. Nice rhyme. Lovely depth of feeling. Well penned and much enjoyed. Best wishes in the contest.
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I too have wondered
these same things.
Lovely Sonja
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Ah ...
Such beautiful, beautiful phrasings in here. Your Muse is a gentle soul, loving detail and also tenderly unraveling those threads that got lost in time ...
Our names may be forgotten, but our deeds never.
Love
Myra
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