Our parent’s divorce was bitter
We were so young then
It left scars; some seem small now,
but they bled fear, unhappiness, and uncertainty at the time
Other injuries were deeper, and left marks that echo
through all of their children to this day
The times I recall our parents being happy together
are shrouded in the mists of fading memories now
Going through my mother’s things after she passed,
the saddest of all archaeology tasks,
I found an old leather purse, and a photo of them
when they were good for each other
She was holding the same purse
in the blurred black and white photo,
her life just beginning,
the sun on their faces, all things bright and yet to be;
my parents together, smiling and holding each other tightly
She held on to the faded leather purse
for some sixty years or so, through so many moves
Maybe she thought the keepsake would help her heal in some way?
It must have taken her some time to mend her wounds,
if she was ever able to
Bandages are not just physical things
Comments
There it is again T, thank
There it is again T, thank you! A poem within my poem! I thought this was probably very relatable to many, and oddly enough it was one of the easiest writes for me in some time.
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Too true Mark. Thanks for the
Too true Mark. Thanks for the read and your time. Will be joining you folks in the chat room soon!
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I can't say it...
any better than Mark has. I tried, but wound up erasing the long drawn out rambling discourse; just to say, I feel all the pain and hurt, but also the joy of thinking that there were bright, happy spots and things worth remembering. Thank you for the emotional roller coaster that you sent me on. ~ Geez.
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Thank you Geez! I always
Thank you Geez! I always appreciate you sharing your thoughts. As I revisit this piece, I think there was a missed opportunity here. I had actually found the picture in the purse, which is what hit me hard at the time; knowing she had been there before me, thinking about her past, no doubt. Don't think I made it very clear in the poem, so a future edit is likely.
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I thought that...
it was clear. I have some pictures of my mother and father before they were divorced and they were both smiling and happy, not a fake smile, but a genuine sparkle. My mother has given me many photos that she had kept and when I pass, I will leave them to my children. A tip to all... When you take photos, leave remarks on them or with them as the case may be. In this day and age, not many tangible photos. ~ Geez.
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The Archaeologist
Hello, Michael,
To begin, your title is so profound - exactly how it feels to dig through our parents' belongings, revisit their history, remember the moments in a family. I was so touched by your reflection of your mother's purse. I, too, found a few items from my mother's younger years that would have meaning that only she would know, and I could only imagine. Precious. As we get older, we understand somewhat of the joys and sufferings our parents may have felt. You have written a tender poem. I hope it brings a bit of peace to you.
Thank you,
L
Thank you L! This was a very
Thank you L! This was a very personal write for me, but it came relatively easy compared to other works, which surprised me a bit. Your thoughtful comments are very insightful and resonate with me - be well.
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Hello
Those old faded photos are indeed our way of traveling into the past. Our parents and grandparents WERE once young and they Did have a life outside our own. I even get a hint of past lives lived whenever I come across an old abandoned fence or stone arrowhead. I reckon you have figured out I like your poem lol. But I'll not give any suggestions for change due to the emotions obviously attached to this write. you want to improve it? That will be a job left up to You