A Troubled Relationship
You’ve been out of my life now
for years already, but your voice
keeps telling me things in my head,
not from the bad times but the good –
when you were my pal as well as
my youngest. I like to think
those times were true (they felt
and still feel true) but I know
not to reach out, not to attempt
in any way to go back, because
that boy is gone, and that young man,
long gone, and you don’t hear him now.
Written for Weekly Scribblings #60 at Poets and Storytellers United.
(Yes, I do mean the last line as as written.)
Sometimes those voices come back to haunt us, even after many years, and they use the good times to prey on us. Better to ignore them.
ReplyDeleteThey DO grow up don't they, sad when they OUT GROW us though.
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much love...
Children, other relatives and friends all move on doing their own thing. Lucky are those who are still in contact with each other but each of us have our own lives and commitments.
ReplyDeleteThis childless (I prefer "child-free") old geezer can still relate to this fine work; hears his own gone-by voices, lament their loss (his deafness?). Great work, Rosemary!
ReplyDeleteThat *is* very sad and it's a reality that is affecting many people these days, for one reason or another.
ReplyDeleteA poignant recount of a mother's heartache. Well penned.
ReplyDeleteThis is heartbreaking, especially the closing line--figuring out that the best version of someone we love is gone, not just for us but unavailable for themselves, really hurts.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness. Some voices never ever fade even if they're gone.
ReplyDeleteBlood is thicker than water and so is chicken soup. A not uncommon reality in a world where the first consideration and obligation are to self alone. Sad but real.
ReplyDeleteMy ex used to haunt me until we sat together on the second church row when a granddaughter married. She wasn't the person I was dreaming about, I didn't recognize her before the ceremony until Mrs. Jim told me who she was. I have not dreamed about her one time since. Yes, they are gone, we don't have them anymore. You told that well, Rosemary.
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A heartbreaking reality. My brother and I, who were very close in childhood, are somewhat estranged at this point. We're civil to each other but not close.
ReplyDeleteI love the candor and honesty in your poem .... it was a privilege to read it.
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful for all your thoughtful, caring comments.
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