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Open Poetry #49
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California

0 posted 2015-01-02 02:04 PM



Yearbook


I read the names, memories stir,
So how can they be gone?
Though pics bring focus to the blur,
I know I should move on.
As kids who shared the waking world,
We stood unconquerable.
Fate, with her own plans to unfurl
Gave us a different rule.

And still, we seem to be drawn here—
There’s shelter in the past.
We long to hear those voices clear,
Though they could never last.
All different, set to separate paths,
Distinct goals to proclaim;
Each seeks out their own aftermath,
Though Death finds us the same.

So many faces I once knew,
And fought, or loved, or held.
So many lost chances to rue
Where I felt uncompelled.
The sun of exuberant youth,
Devoid of warmth and shine,
Seems lost to a black and white truth
In this yearbook of mine.

The shadow long and distant now,
I see where it began.
Those years not knowing why or how
That I just ran and ran.
The familiarity sought
I never could attain,
A darkened path Destiny wrought
To this lifetime of pain.

And yet the picture’s clearer now,
There’s more here to perceive.
Those echoes I’d never allow
To shape what I believe,
Speak to me now of choices made—
Of things thought etched in stone.
My aftermath, the price been paid
Thinking I was alone.


Michael Anderson

1/02/2015

© Copyright 2015 Michael Anderson - All Rights Reserved
JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
1 posted 2015-01-02 03:24 PM


The past. Some of us (me included) never lets it rest.

~*~ When they give you ruled paper write sideways. ~*~

katahdin
Senior Member
since 2010-07-01
Posts 1196
ME. In the Shadow of the Mt.
2 posted 2015-01-02 10:11 PM


Nicely done!
Kat >^..^<

Redstart
Senior Member
since 2014-05-16
Posts 535

3 posted 2015-01-03 11:43 AM


I understand why the fist two stanzas are first person plural, and the following in the first person singular.

'The sun of exuberant youth
Devoid of warmth and shine'

'The familiarity sought
I never could attain'

I never quite fitted in either, but I didn't care, because I had 'the sun of exuberant youth'

This actually hurts; words can hurt. Tremendous exposing of the inner self, and quite brilliantly written.

Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
4 posted 2015-01-04 08:53 AM


And as the spectrum evolves before us, the shades of blue are constant.  Well said, Mike - Happy New Year
latearrival
Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499
Florida
5 posted 2015-01-04 11:13 AM


Michael,Beautifully written. One of your best. Into my folder it goes.Thank you for this one.It explains so much to many. Jo
Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
6 posted 2015-01-04 04:44 PM


Exquisite writing, dear Michael. On one side we need to let the past go, on the other side it is so precious for our better understanding of where we are in the Now.

May you enjoy a Happy New Year!

Margherita

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
7 posted 2015-01-12 02:22 PM


So many faces I once knew,
And fought, or loved, or held.
So many lost chances to rue

I think you've captured feelings many of us can identify with. I avoid reunions, don't come here much and rarely look at the many pictures I've taken through the years... for the sense of loss and reminder of dreams unattained seem to always overwhelm the happy memories. It takes courage to look at the past and learn from it and move forward and make more memories... I've become an expert at avoidance and cowering. LOL

Excellent, thought-provoking write.

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
8 posted 2015-01-26 03:19 AM


Never had a Year Book but I understand your feelings here.
                                 Ida

nakdthoughts
Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200
Between the Lines
9 posted 2015-01-26 08:14 AM


"There’s shelter in the past."

I seem to be going there of late...not sure if it is an age thing or of opportunities missed.

(p.s.) Is that your son all grown up in your picture...time does pass quickly.

M

Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California
10 posted 2015-01-27 12:02 PM


Yep Maureen, that's him.  Though life has thrown me many curve balls, he has been the one constant thing I can always depend on.  We're still the best of buds.  

Thank you everyone for the kind replies.

Michael

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
11 posted 2015-02-11 07:44 PM


very nice writing...james
Alison
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!
12 posted 2015-03-19 10:50 PM


I like poetry that touches me.  This one does, Michael.

A

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