by JustMe ~I'm happy to be~
Member since:
August 16, 2008

~Memory~

November 04, 2011 11:54 AM UTC
views: 0 | 10 people recommend this | comments: 29

Memory resides
in the mossy grey rock near my deck
the rings of the fallen hemlock
the empty nest resting precariously
on the outside lamp
It finds itself
filling and emptying
tossing and turning
this way and that
Clinging like
a barnacle crusted
piece of weathered wood
Circling like
a bird of prey
over a bloodied corpse
Memory resides
anywhere and everywhere
except
in your clotted heart

Comments: 29

Kasey Klein Nov 4, 2011, 11:58am UTC
thanks for sharing
JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Nov 4, 2011, 12:22pm UTC
:)
JOHN BECK Nov 4, 2011, 12:03pm UTC
You blend the metaphors and similes perfectly, Michelle. It leads smoothly to that harsh last line. Excellent poetry.
JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Nov 4, 2011, 12:22pm UTC
Thank you, John. :)
elizabeth evans Nov 4, 2011, 1:06pm UTC
It's amazing the memory pieces we collect...I, too, have a robin's nest sitting empty, barnacled rocks and an urchin skeleton sitting on my desk. Throughout the house, I have "memories" tucked and when my gaze lights upon them, I smile.
As for your clotted heart.....my advice to you, as it is to Mag, take your pills, eat good foods, and exercise....all of which are good for uncluttering a clotted heart.
JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Nov 4, 2011, 2:42pm UTC
Actually, the poem was inspired by a book title I downloaded to my kindle last night. In the title is the word "memory". But I will take that advice anyway! :)
Len Maxwell Nov 4, 2011, 1:36pm UTC
Intriguing metaphors. Nicely done.

Thanks for sharing with The Triple Name Club.
JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Nov 4, 2011, 2:42pm UTC
Thanks, Len.
Diane Huizenga Nov 4, 2011, 1:36pm UTC
Beautifully said
JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Nov 4, 2011, 2:43pm UTC
I appreciate your comment, Diane.
Kathryn Flynn Nov 4, 2011, 2:17pm UTC
This beautiful write ends with a bang, a jarring clang that grabs the reader.
JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Nov 4, 2011, 2:43pm UTC
Thanks, Kathryn!
Jackie Vadney Nov 4, 2011, 3:02pm UTC
Awesome write!!
JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Nov 4, 2011, 4:43pm UTC
Thank you for all the comments on all the poems. So very kind of you.
Chris Brockman Nov 4, 2011, 5:37pm UTC
It's hard to tell if this refers to a certain political party or to an insensitive lover, but it is remarkable how memory is all around, like a principal of physics, engroained in every atom of association, but some people have shields to ignore it, to deny it, to revise it. For them memory is a pragmatic black hole. I'm with you. Memory is part of the fabric of my universe.
JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Nov 4, 2011, 10:14pm UTC
Excellent comment, Chris. Thank you so very much.
A. F. Stewart Nov 4, 2011, 6:20pm UTC
Haunting and fabulous.
JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Nov 4, 2011, 10:14pm UTC
Thank you so much, A.F.
Richard Lynn Livesay Nov 4, 2011, 8:36pm UTC
the empty nest finds itself emptying and filling, tossing and turning'...nice metaphor'''strong work


thanks for sharing with Surreal Circus
JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Nov 4, 2011, 10:14pm UTC
Thank you!
Kevin E. Nov 5, 2011, 7:54pm UTC
What an interesting poem. In your old age the best part of your life can be your memories.
JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Nov 6, 2011, 8:37am UTC
I remember my grandfather retreating more and more into his memories than being in the present. Maybe it's a natural process, but I hope to find something beautiful in each day I'm given on this earth.
Kevin E. Nov 6, 2011, 8:51pm UTC
Me too, from your lips to God's ears.
Richard Thuss Nov 6, 2011, 12:30pm UTC
I love both your prose and poetry, Michelle, you know that. In this case I loved everything but the last line because, to me, a clotted heart clings to memories, mostly ones that hurt. It is an open heart that holds on to dear memories, and fortunately lets go of those that no longer serve its purpose.
JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Nov 6, 2011, 12:35pm UTC
I always value your opinion and look forward to "seeing" you. I understand your interpretation completely and it makes sense. For me, clotted meant stuck in place - no past, present or future.
stephen berwaldt Nov 6, 2011, 4:03pm UTC
A beautiful written beautiful message...memories surround us everywhere...

Thank you submitting to the Gather’s Best Writers and Artists. Now featured.
JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Nov 8, 2011, 5:18pm UTC
Thank you, Stephen and thank you for the feature!
Atticus *. Nov 8, 2011, 5:17pm UTC
Hi little Red, I actually like the phrase "clotted heart" it is a powerful and original metaphor.
JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Nov 8, 2011, 5:18pm UTC
Atticus! Thank you! :)

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