your smile lingers

artwork by adriarandoart

you were my true north

your hugs pointed me in the direction

i knew would always be home

a home with fresh flowers

on my favorite glass table

but that table is dusty now

and the flowers

have forgotten how to bloom

sometimes i untie a string of your memories

to make you spend the day with me

i walk down

multicolored paths

we once shared

till the end of the day

when i have dried tears

remembering

and always

your smile lingers

Reviews

[Lorry]

Isn't dust a pain? Sometimes I feel like we just shuffle it from one place to the next, over and over again.
I heard once that dust is mostly dead skin, which is really icky that we don't make more of a big deal about us all having body dandruff!
But anyhoo, it us good to untie a striking of memories and remember those special moments we shared, knowing that if anyone catches you smiling in passing they will know not what brought that smile but may just ponder it enough to begin to ponder smiles of their own!
I consider those smiles as DVD extras of my life! 😃
As always Lydi, beautifully captured.

[Lydia Shutter]

Lorry, you would be a great extraneous speaker. Your stream of consciousness reviews tickle me. Thank you so much. Lydi**

[Lorry]

Once I start I'd never shut up though! 😃

[Lydia Shutter]

:) but it would be fun to listen to!

[emmajoygreen]

I agree on both counts, this man always has both humour and sensitivtity in mind!

[Lorry]

First an American rose, then am English rose complimifating me. I am honoured.
😊

[Ayesha Faiz]

This poem is so gentle and heartfelt. It beautifully captures the feeling of missing someone deeply, like they were your safe place. The imagery of the dusty table and faded flowers is so powerful, it says a lot with just a few words. And the way you hold onto memories like strings is both sad and comforting. That last line… it quietly stays with you, just like the person you're remembering. You write beautifully. Truly moving.

[Lydia Shutter]

Ayesha, I am touched by your lovely review. Thank you so much. Lydi**

[Ayesha Faiz]

Always welcome.
:)

[Cassie]

always a joy to read you Lyd. Your poems are always heartfelft from years ago when I got to know you

[Lydia Shutter]

Cassie! I am so happy to see your smiling face here. Thank you very much for the visit and the review. Lydi**

[Buddhistboy73]

From the first line to the last this poem evokes images of a love lost...
and yet with tenderness.....

your hugs were my true north.....
remembering and always your smile lingers...

A great visual piece here..:)

I like your style

BB73

[Lydia Shutter]

I appreciate your review, BB73. Thank you. Lydi**

[.]

I took this very personally. I have experienced it.I love how poems written with very personal pain can become universal, and you've done a wonderful job. I've read them over and over again and will continue to read them. A wilted flower has blossomed in my heart. powerful

[Lydia Shutter]

What a lovely thing to say, Beren. Thank you so much. Lydi**

[Betty Hermelee]

Hi Lydia
true love is always there whether in person or in memory...and you showed us both...first what it was like when you had you loved one near....then it was all recollections of what had been and what it it like now...you used stunning images to show us everything....."hugs pointed in the right direction"...."when I have dried tears"... well done!
Warmly, B

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much for this lovely review, Betty. You made my day! Lydi**

[Betty Hermelee]

You are very welcome!🌷
Warmly
B🌷

[emmajoygreen]

Memories for me are extra people who hang around to prompt thought, letting a grieving darling know that there is something deep, deep aside the heart that goes on for as long as one's own life rollsm
onm Memories - unlike pictures, oddments, etc.. are always there, tucked in a comfy place. Can be recalled if wanted or just smiled at when they arise. They are a forever Linus blanket.. and oh so welcome. Fine words kindly laid, dear lady. Those flowers are beautiful as are your words.

[Lydia Shutter]

A Linus blanket....what a great analogy! Emma, you always understand my words. Thank you so much. Lydi**

[emmajoygreen]

Seems wrong to say my pleasure, but we've always understood each other! Hope you are wishing the Spring to happen soon. How's your weather, manageable? Take care of yourself, please very much. Hug..

[Lydia Shutter]

The weather is in the 50's at night and in the 70's during the day now. This is perfect weather. No AC or Heat needed.

[emmajoygreen]

Oh Lydi, that is so cruel!!! :) Touched just over zero yesterday morning, hightest for Thursday was
9 degrees! I don't need to check how cold it is..the tip of my nose tells me! Silly me, laughing!

[Lydia Shutter]

Cold nose, warm heart? LOL The weather is one of the reasons I love living in South Florida. Sorry you are freezing! Drink some hot cocoa!

[emmajoygreen]

I think my veins are the colour of hot choc! Could emigrate to a warm climate and laugh hysterically every time when the sun appaears

[Lydia Shutter]

Laughing here...good morning sweet Emma!

[Kelly Scheppers]

A smile has a way of cementing a memory. It's what we are left with, a lasting impression that refuses to leave us. The images I have alone, are too many to mention, but they come to the surface, fresh and new, like a string untied...like the words so poetically penned here, by you!

[Lydia Shutter]

Kelly, thank you so much for the lovely review. That lasting impression stays to comfort us...I believe that. Lydi**

[Kim S.]

This is a beautiful and touching read Lydia.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much, Kim. Lydi*

[Kathy Van Kurin]

'your smile lingers'
Lydia Shutter,
your above poem is a good place for me to find that understanding of 'the multi colored paths we once shared.' This piece you wrote is a way for a reader to analyze their own memories of the people which have now gone on ahead. It is really sobering cuz this place is so temporary. When a person is younger the future just seems to go on forever. Our family lost our papa. Mama is crying. So are we. Loved your beautiful memorial to precious love.
Blessings,
Kathy

[Lydia Shutter]

Kathy, I am so sorry you lost your Dad. How well I remember my mother's tears when that happened to our family. My heart goes out to you. The fact you took the time to review my poetry in your time of mourning means so much. Sending you the strength to help your mom get through this and the hugs you need to help yourself through it. Lydi***

[Stella Armour]

How beautiful Lydia, you portray a lovely painting of a table with flowers blooming not knowing that then painting will fade with time; but memories do not fade of those we have loved.

[Lydia Shutter]

Indeed, we hold them in our hearts forever. Thank you Stella. Lydi**