Holding on to Shoes and a Lost Daisy

Holding on to Shoes and a Lost Daisy

 

 

imagining the footprints of a life

disappearing into a bleak sunset

so many smiles in remembrance

but only a sullen mask for show

 

we loved once

with such aggression

we were turned inside out

but the footprints are now partial

 

almost invisible

my heart tries hard to remember you

ages have passed with flippant nature

a new garden has grown to forget you

 

I strain to see your face in my dreams

but wake to an empty canvass

draw blanks of who you were

the paint has run its course

 

footprints covered up with time

I walk away in perfect mutter

confused but convinced

that something happened.

 

and then I spy

that little flower

and shake my head.

 

 

erin-cilberto

2/11/26

Reviews

[Davidgeo]

This is beautiful jacob. You make a universal pain a little more palatable.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you, David.
j.

[Desert Knave]

It's scary how quickly a "garden" fills with things other than the flowers you desire. ~Jim

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Very scary, Jim.
j.

[Lorry]

If this were a painting Jacob, it would be called life going on...
Isn't it amazing how many lifetimes we can fit into one life with so many relationships that somehow, somewhen faltered and we eventually move on to a new face...even if sometimes it is only the aged reflection we see in the mirror.
I've often wondered if memory is a cruelty or a kindness, but eventually just shake my head as you do and admit it is both.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, both, I think. And I see that aged reflection every day now...that's life.

[redzone]

ironic, just when I think her garden has become over grown with weeds, there, in the corner nearest the house, that "little flower" appears. It's like magic or maybe a curse, but either way, a reminder of what was, AND a feeling that something really wonderful was lost.

Loved your poem Jacob, I have missed reading your words.
Curt

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind words, Curt.
j.

[Betty Hermelee]

Memories fade with time, and it can be very distressing…. Things replace other things until you almost forget entirely, except for one littler moment of remembrance……returns
Lovely J
WARMLY
B🌹

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Yes, life goes on and things do replace other things...thank you, Betty.
j.

[FlatDaddy]

Being a Texas boy and Air Force veteran, with most of my life spent onstage in either music or theater, I have trod through too many gardens to remember now even the names of most Daisys I "sniffed," I confess with some shame and yes, male pride, but the older I got the more discerning I became. And I am proud to say that for the last 34 years, I have had en entire garden of exquisite flowers in one rare rose to call my own; and though she has faded some, and bears the rough wearing of those years, she still carries that oh-so-thrilling aroma of our first time. Nice write, my friend.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I really like your story, FD. Made me glad I wrote the poem.
j.

[FlatDaddy]

Thanks, Jacob. I must say, your poem stirred a lot of feelings. I should be thanking you, and I do.

[Stephany]

As mournful as remembering can be, the truth is each of us are richer, wiser perhaps more colorful because of the moments basking behind a cottony background instead of in plain sight. It’s almost as if these moments whisper Catch me if you can. The opportunity to remember is a gift.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I hope I caught one or two here...thank you for your insightful words, Stephany.
j.

[emmajoygreen]

Near invisibility strikes again: a minute touch and look of what was - yet, will always be present if eyes stay open and heart stutters those three precious words. You seem only to share beautiful words.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your kindness and poetic heart, em.
j.

[SleeplessVolcano]

Poignant write. I know those bleak sunsets and partial footprints all too well. It's all we can do - to shake our heads at our flippant natures.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your words, Sleepless.
j.

[John the Baptist]

It is ironic how passionate past loves can fade in our memories. I recently drove past an apartment building where one of my former loves lived. I could recall her name and appearance but not much else. Are we shallow, or is time just a b***h?

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Maybe a little of both...thanks, John.
j.