I find in the middle drawer
of an antique chest
an envelope of postage stamps
that my mother
forgot she had
The pink rose ones
dated 1998
one Kwanzaa
two Snow White
and a stamp
that simply boasts,
“First Class”
It is easy to see
how forgotten things
fall to the bottom
of a drawer
like silent ashes
as we scrambled
through long, summer days
never comprehending
this was the time
all the time
the only time
to live
My mother used to walk
to the post office
back then
before the decay of bones
before the demands of mortality
inside
she walked
around the filed rows
of the 1950s combination boxes
with dials
her shoes clicking
on the tiles
the Postwoman smiling
the soft drawl
of morning pleasantries
a clatter of mail
piling into boxes
the combining of new stamps
going out to find
unique hiding places
Then out through
the frosted glass doors
she walked
the fall leaves swirling
in wild wind dance
upon the streets
I can no longer find
as the images of dates
and stamps
merge and melt
into soft swirls
of what once was
Who knew old stamps could bring back memories so deep. Your writing is beautiful and so are you. I’m an up and coming writer and you would certainly boost my confidence if you stopped by my blog and read, The Writers Block. Hope to see you there, be careful though it’s crowded. We wouldnt want to start a stampede. Get it?
Thank you so much. I will definitely stop by for a blog visit. Oh yes, the stampede, I’m familiar with that. It takes a few years to build a blogging community. You’ll get there 😀
These were my favorite lines: “never comprehending / this was the time / all the time / the only time / to live.” Very profound, Lana. We never think about time while it’s happening. When it runs out, there are always little leftovers, ordinary surprises, as you go through drawers, cupboards, closets. Memories to hold onto. 🙂
That is very true, we don’t think about it until it is over and we can never have those days again. It is interesting what you find when going through someone’s things, what they forgot, what they hold onto. Thank you so much, Joan 😀
So lovely Lana.
Hi Mek. Thank you so much!
Hi! Sorry not visited for a while. Hope you’re well 😊
Hi Mek! Oh I know how it is, I haven’t been able lately to visit as many blogs as I like to read either. The daily grind takes a toll, but I will get back to it, and that is what we all strive to do. I hope you are doing well, enjoying the season and having tons of fun with your son! xo
I’m well thanks. Summer has started here with a cold turn and lots of rain- much colder than recent weeks of spring we have had. Yes, enjoying fun times with my son too. I have been grappling with parenting techniques when he plays up-still not got it right yet in terms of dealing with toddler behaviour- anyway, long story short, this weekend, threats of no dvd watching were doled out and I stuck to my guns. The world didn’t cave in, and he actually stopped demanding screen time, accepting the new norm! We ended up spending a lot nicer times together (between tantrums). I am definitely going to make 1 or maybe 2 days a week of no screen time whatsoever. I don’t even watch TV myself and haven’t for years, but having no family connections around here for support, the little time he watches cartoons is a little respite. Sigh. I’ve learnt some important lessons about being more present and immersing in play with him too…
What does the daily grind involve for you?
Oh yes, the screen time challenge. I only had to worry with that with my last child since it wasn’t an issue with the older ones (before the age of technology dependence), although of course, there has always been the TV. I don’t watch it much anymore, either. My daily grind is work for 8 hours, then home (or sometimes to the grocery to buy supplies). I have too many pets, but they were all rescued and essentially are my children now, but it does take time to care for them. I get a bit of exercise (but not enough, sigh). After pet care, dinner, house chores, I end up with about 2 hours which is all the time I have to do things that I have to do, blog, write or craft jewelry. Two hours just doesn’t seem enough time especially if you have to edit anything or do any on-line work (as I have to do also for my teaching license). If I stay up past that 2 hours, I really suffer the next day. Oh well, at least I have a couple hours, and I shouldn’t complain. It is nothing like being a working mom with a toddler (I’ve done that one too!). Hope you have had a lovely weekend!
Magical and melancholy, Lana. You are gifted writer, weaving between the minuscule details of life, painting with your words, leading us to a deeper spiritual level of contemplation.
‘merge and melt
into soft swirls
of what once was’
Beautiful!
Thank you for the very gracious compliment, Annika. It really does seem to be the small details in life that stick with us. xo
Memories so often come down to the physical details that surrounded them. I have a theory that intense feelings open up the senses like a camera. Music has this effect on me, so I enjoyed your accompanying video …
It is really amazing how small things can trigger memories of the past. Oh that’s a great song and sad that now letter writing is a lost art. Thank you!
Beautiful, Lana. Something as simple as stamps and walking to the post office become imbued with memory and emotion. You paint a gentle and deeply poignant picture. Loved it. <3
Thank you, Diana. It is interesting what we uncover when going through someone’s things, and the way those things trigger memories. xoxo
So true, Lana. And it’s often those mundane little pieces of life. <3
I’m kind of glad I got here late Lana – I enjoyed seeing my thoughts already left by Joan and Diana …… There’s so much to love about the poem, but those lines stop the breath a moment! I want to copy them out and stick them to the wall …….or meld them into a painting…….
Oh Pauline, what a wonderful idea, melding them into a painting, you should do that, I would love to see it! Thank you, I’m glad you liked it. It really is the small things that define so much of our lives. xoxo
I’ve written them into my book so they could turn up at some point – your professional name would then also be in that painting 🙂
I think it is a glorious thing when art inspires art. xoxo
Beautiful poem, Lana. ♥️ And the interesting details of those times… memories and reflections.
Thank you, Iris. Those memories come and go much like the leaves blowing on the streets, but we can always keep pieces of them in our hearts. xo
Have a pleasant weekend. Hugs
You too, Iris! Hugs 😀
Lana, I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your lovely verse. I was having a Pity Party for having too many things on my ToDo list and not enough Debbie to go around. Your words help put things in perspective. I know my mom won’t be around forever and really, I should just appreciate the times we have together. Blessings and big hugs to you!
Awe, thank you so much, Debbie. I’m glad my words helped you. Believe me, I understand how difficult it is to be in a caregiver position, but I know for your mother, it does mean so much. I am grateful that she has you as there are many elderly people out there who don’t have anyone, very sad. I say live every day with a keen eye to appreciate every small detail. Blessings and big hugs back to you, my friend.
Thank you, Lana!
Its amazing how memories can be stirred almost by accident as you so delicately describe. It made me reflect on my mother about whom I’m about to write a post
That is quite true. I was hit with so many emotions when I was going through my mother’s things this summer after she passed away in April. I would love to read your post. Mothers are so special.
Bittersweet and nostalgic!
Thanks, Marissa!
Good evening Lana. It was a good read, and you sent me back to down memory lane when I read Postman Pat hahahaha! I was even a stamp collector. but to be honest, most companies these days use franking machines, and seeing letters with stamps on has become so rare – vanished??? And you wrote your post in time for the season that stamps was formerly used a lot. The traditional lifestyle or call it old school upbringing way of life is nowhere to be adhered in what they call “modern world.” Sad. Have a wonderful weekend!
Yes Juli, there seems to be so much that we have lost of the old school ways, I do understand that we have gained with technology and such, but I don’t know, I still think we have lost many good things too. Have a wonderful weekend also! xo
Lovely!
Thank you, Jennie. Happy weekend and happy holiday season to you! xx
You, too!
I can read your love and sadness in these lines, Lana… so beautiful, it brings tears to my eyes. Yes, there’s only one moment to live in and it is now, we need to remind ourselves more often of this simple though sometimes so hard to grasp a fact. Much much love to you! 😊💕
Yes, it is one of those things when life is just happening, and at the time, we think it is just mundane, every day stuff, but if I could give anyone advice, it would be to treasure every day that they have with their loved ones. Much love back to you, Sarah. xoxo
Best advice in the world, dear Lana! xoxo 💕
Beautiful story Lana. It’s amazing how finding the smallest remnant left behind from a loved one can trigger a sea of memories. You written this one beautifully. <3
Thank you, Debby, it is amazing how those small things can ignite the memories and emotions. xoxo
<3
Hi, Lana! I love how the little things can inspire us in so many ways. The haunting imagery and juxtaposition of life and death in your poem moved me. Such a lovely, evocative tribute to the memory of your mother.
P.S. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I appreciate your insightful comment.
Thank you Nadine for the very gracious compliment. These were the exact things I was trying to express. I enjoyed stopping by your blog and reading the interview. Well done!