Memory

A narrative poem/short story contemplating the idea of memory

I can’t remember the color of the car,

Only that it was stopped sideways blocking traffic on the

Southbound side of that narrow bridge.

But I do remember the look of rage on the face of the man,

Who jumped out of that car-

And how he clapped his hands together

Screaming, “LETS GO” as he rushed towards a box truck-

That was backing away.

 

I don’t remember what type of box truck it was

(I think it was some sort of rental),

But I do remember the look on the truck driver’s face,

Flatline with a hint of confusion,

Impossibly reversing in the Southbound Lane

Of that narrow bridge.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

with the matter of memory, is it selective on purpose or is that just the way it is. Do we remember the important details of an event and just those? Or, do we remember the non=essentials and wonder why we can't remember the main points.
This is interesting to me...you leave us hanging in a way, even though you give us specific details of the event. You allow us to fill in the blanks...poetry should do that.
The fragment of the memory is what makes us contemplate and fill in the blanks.
j.

[Amanda Renee]

Thank you so much for your thoughts and sharing them with me, I often do enjoy when a reader can thoughtfully fill in the blanks so it is a sort on interaction between the writer and the reader- I'm glad you enjoy this too.

[Beatty D'Alessandro]

Critique of “Memory” by Amanda Reynolds:

“Memory” aims to explore how trauma or adrenaline sharpens some impressions while blurring others. Its central tension—between what is forgotten and what is vividly remembered—is promising. However, the poem feels more like a literal account than a symbolic or poetic reflection. The imagery is observational but lacks metaphor or emotional layering, which leaves the reader wondering: What does this event mean? Is the man’s rage symbolic? Is the bridge a metaphor? Without clearer intent or transformation of detail into metaphor, the poem risks reading like a fragment of memoir rather than a contemplative piece on memory.

[Amanda Renee]

Hi, thank you for your review, however on the topic of the writing risking reading like a fragment of a memoir, I think this was addressed in the description I wrote under the title. Also, I could be wrong but I sense this comment may have been generated from AI, if I am wrong I apologize, and sometimes writers leave the reader with space to breathe and conclude figurative meaning on their own rather than giving it to them.

[Beatty D'Alessandro]

I wrote the review and then had Chat GPT review it… I think your poem is a great start but not finished. It’s like polishing marble, there’s always room for improvement.
I hope I didn’t come off as harsh. I think you have talent

[Amanda Renee]

Thank you so much, I appreciate it;)