Back when I was newly widowed in a large house teeming with kids, dogs, lizards, hamsters, tortoises, cats and chickens, I needed some way to get away without leaving the house. So, I started writing poetry. I wish I could be sure what my first poem was, but I do know this was one of the earliest of them. I have reproduced it here exactly as I left it then - it was difficult to not change it, just as it is difficult for me to throw away anything that spurs a memory of a loved one, good or bad.
The Poet's new Clothes
Inside my closet, I reminisce.
This dress made by my hand under my mother's guidance
This suit carefully and skillfully built to last
and last and last
Some unworn (those most fantastic)
Graduations, funerals, and a wedding
Souvenirs
Of hims and hers and thises and thats
Of losses and prizes,
triumphs and
once or twice I have stood there to cry
It's burgeoning now
Clothes on the floor and stuffed in every cranny
Over burdened shelves collapse under their onerous load
And I keep bringing them in by the load
Clothes without loads yet
Madly trying to refresh myself
from the outside in
In solidarity with the March Madness writers, I'm going to try to post twice a day.
Thank you for reading!
A very relatable poem. I'm tired this morning because I stayed up late looking at fancy shoes and pants online while lying in bed with that same mind on refreshing from out to in.
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I sometimes buy jewelry when I'm down, but I'm not sure this is the best idea because whenever I wear it I am reminded of whatever trauma provoked me to buy it in the first place. I hope you find something that makes you feel wonderful.
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Yes, I've done that too, bought jewelry for myself, but I look at it like I'm buying it for myself for getting through the trauma, so look at it as love for myself.
I haven't purchased anything so far, but did find a pair of shoes I may order ;)
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I'm not a poet, but I know what I like, and I love this!
You really get good mileage out of little words - this -
This suit carefully and skillfully built to last
and last and last
Built almost like a haiku, words artfully arranged. I know that suit. Those things in our closet that will never wear out and we hang onto them, while the things we love most get stained and faded and worn thin with many washings. Clothes without loads yet - I like the rhythm and sound. You're a natural at this.
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