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Belongings

Shadowed in the silent room, the daylight's nearly gone Dusk climbs in through window glass, with one last ray of sun I start the task, climb on a chair, reach up to shelves so high to mother's boxes neatly stacked, and dust gets in my eyes I take one down, to look inside and sit upon a chair I find some musty linens, laces needing some repair Discovering old photographs, the year was '42 Her face was smooth as porcelain, unblemished, young and new Old documents and letters, a history unveiled Her letters, torn and yellowed, such stories they would tell The next box held small china cups, so lovingly embellished And then I found a book of verse, inscribed with poems she relished Some dresses stained and wrinkled, their fabric thin and tattered Were once a thing of beauty, as if they really mattered Her jewelry, gold and silver, some lovely rings and brooches A warm sensation circles me, her presence now approaches I sense a change come over me, and fleeting leave of gloom The darkness of the evening lifts, as sunlight fills the room She wraps her warmth around me, her fragrance in the air My loneliness is free to go, I know that she is there Among these things, I find the last, the smallest box of all Inside it are the baby clothes, I wore when I was small A letter there to tell me that she knows the tears I've cried Her words of love that never died, they fill me up inside These treasures speak her words to me, and now that I am grown She wants to tell her story, those parts I've never known I've heard her voice, while sitting here, among her china flowers I"ve found such peace, she's next to me, to spend these quiet hours ____________________________________________________________ Written 6/8/2008 Submitted to Contest: "Old Jewelry or Just Old Things or Old, Old Poems/Poetry Contest " Sponsor: Broken Wings

Copyright © | Year Posted 2008




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Date: 1/12/2020 6:21:00 PM
Certifiably lovely with perfect flow, rich imagery, and sweet nostalgia. I love every line.
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Date: 11/7/2016 9:05:00 PM
Beautiful written poem, Carrie, congratulations on your win Hugs Eve
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Date: 11/7/2016 5:49:00 PM
Carrie, congratulations on your win in my contest with this wonderfully penned poem ~
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Date: 11/7/2016 3:50:00 AM
Carrie, your mother's box is so intriguing, and even more fascinting is your presentation of it! Congrats on your fine win!
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Date: 11/6/2016 6:09:00 PM
Dropping back with my congrats Carrie its lovely to read this again:-) hugs Jan xx
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Date: 11/6/2016 10:01:00 AM
carrie, wow... i feel with you; so nostalgic... congrats on your fine award..huggs
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Date: 5/27/2015 7:33:00 AM
really touching..
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Date: 5/18/2015 1:50:00 AM
I really like this one :) Thank you
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Date: 4/29/2015 5:59:00 AM
It's not so long ago that I went through the same process with my mother's things. It can be heart rending. You've captured the moment well.
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Date: 2/1/2015 1:46:00 PM
CARRIE:) A lovely and beautiful win *Hugs* SKAT
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Date: 1/25/2015 7:01:00 AM
Congratulations on your win carrie
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Date: 1/24/2015 9:04:00 PM
Congrats on the win, carrie
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Date: 1/24/2015 6:39:00 PM
Such a toughing write Carrie - many congrats on your win a 7 from me:-) Hugs jan xx
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Date: 1/24/2015 6:35:00 PM
When our belongings were cherished by someone we hold dear, they become more than just material things... I truly enjoyed reading this wonderful, heartfelt piece. Congrats on the win, Carrie!
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Date: 1/24/2015 6:22:00 PM
I love your beautifully-written poem, Carrie. Your words brought back so many emotions to me...Congratulations on your nice win. Hugs, Sandra
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Date: 7/7/2013 11:22:00 AM
Congratulations, with your winning poem .... xox~ PD
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Date: 7/1/2013 6:34:00 PM
Carrie, This is one of the most touching poems I have ever read. Your rhyme so precise with each captivating sentence one after the other.. I felt such a calm and peacefulness surrounding me through your words. Congrats on your win in the contest :)
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Date: 6/30/2013 4:33:00 PM
Wonderful and lovely piece,Carrie...nice write...Congrats on your superb win...
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Date: 6/30/2013 11:47:00 AM
I've come to tell you, Carrie, dear -- of a time when I felt my mother near. -- She told me of such wondrous places -- filled with so many happy faces -- And as I looked from one face to another -- I recognized your loving mother..... Carrie, you are special and this poem of yours says volumes about you.... Nothing more to say.... Just Congratulations..... Jake
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Date: 6/29/2013 3:49:00 PM
Carrie, :-) Congratulations in the Rhyming contest. I'm enjoying all the winners & poems that spoke to me in their own way. enjoy my blog if you like, peace and love. <3<3<3 ~SKAT~
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Date: 1/2/2013 3:29:00 PM
What a treasure to discover and your telling of the story was wonderful. The past sometimes is willing to share its secrets.
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Date: 5/21/2012 4:08:00 PM
Carrie, another wonderful win, I'm liking the rhyming game Joyce cooked up herself! Congratulations with your awesome poem, take care :-) * PD
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Date: 5/19/2012 9:36:00 AM
Happy that you were one of my winners. I loved this poem. Thank you for entering. Love, Joyce
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Date: 5/19/2012 7:55:00 AM
Congrats on your well deserved 1st place, Carrie. Beautiful piece. Thoroughly enjoyed. Great job. Nice going, my friend. Kudos. luv and hugs, Ralph
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Date: 5/19/2012 6:31:00 AM
Congratulations on your top spot win in Joyce's "Rhyming Game" contest Carrie. Love, Carol
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