Ancient Milk

She's telling that story again

That one for eliciting guilt

She's not one to forgive

That is not how she's built

She cries over ancient milk spilt

She's picking at that scab again

That one that wants only to heal

She don't care if it mends

Empathy ain't her deal

She's sure only her pain is real

She's playing the victim again

That happens to be how she's built

She's all take and no give

And she loves to use guilt

Crying over ancient milk spilt

Jim Lonsdale Poetry 2022

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

there are many people like this....so wrapped up in their own pain, they cannot see others who are suffering much more.
I have had a triple bypass and foot surgery in the past year and a half...and feel so lucky compared to what several of my friends are going through. This poem reminded me of that.
j.

[Desert Knave]

Thank you so much for your insightful words. Yeah, some folks get stuck in themselves. ~Jim

[Marie]

The title of the poem aroused my curiosity and pulled me in to read the poem. So sadly, there are so many people who are unable to let the past be in the past shrouded in the mists of time. They insist on dragging it up every opportunity that's presented to them because they have not dealt with the pain they endured back then, so they can't let it go. Sometimes, the more the past hurts them, the more they hug it to themselves. They always play the victim and not take responsibility for their part in whatever happened. The other person will forever be guilty and blamed in their mind. You have captured all of this superbly in this wonderful poem, Jim. You present much food for thought to your reader and express what you want to say in simple easy to understand terms and I have to say that I love this poem. It is a poignant write because such 'victims' could enjoy a happy and blessed life if only they left the past in the past and allowed life to bring them blessings now. Thank you for sharing this eloquently penned poem, Jim. I so enjoyed reading...

[Desert Knave]

Thank you so much. I was pleased with the theme and the title and am glad it resonated with you. ~Jim

[Marie]

Most welcome always, Jim...

[MsJewel]

It's sad to think some are so self-involved. Ultimately they end up alienating themselves from others as they drown in their own "milk spilt". Wonderful writing my friend. :) Julie

[Desert Knave]

Thank you so much. ~Jim