Remains

all women have secrets --

little treasures hidden in boxes

decorated with dream-silk

and - perhaps - a ribbon of guilt

 

what we have become

is not always who we are,

and even eyes steeped in starlight

can lie when necessity demands

 

all women have secrets --

mine are scattered somewhere

along the shores of Mar del Plata,

given to the west wind of the Mohave,

lost along the sea cliffs of Kalaupapa

 

and there they will remain,

beyond the impressions I have made

with sensible feet and idealist hands

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

there is always that part of us no one will ever see or know...we keep it hidden...it is what makes us "us"---and that belongs only to "us."

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

So glad you go this, Jacob...you give me hope that perhaps I am not completely insane...thank you :)

[Ken Simm.]

I knew someone who scattered her secrets so none could find them. Certainly no male. Although he much wanted to. But then eventually he had secrets of his own and a someone who let him share hers.
A perceptive and lovely rite hich are two attributes which mostly don't go together.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

I think we all have secrets that we never tell anyone...show me a man who claims to have no secrets and I will show you a man who avoids the truth. I guess the point is that we all have to follow a path, and when we do find someone who understands us and who we can feel completely comfortable with, that is the time to tell all that we possibly can...but there are still things that are meant only for us. Thank you for the kind and thoughtful review.

[icelandicblue]

We live life externally and internally. So much of what remains is part of that internal life. Secrets are bound tight with ribbons of guilt (I love that one). It's a beautiful poem about the parts of ourselves that are only known to us, sequestered away or given to the wind:

what we have become
is not always who we are,
and even eyes steeped in starlight
can lie when necessity demands

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

It is all a journey... Thank you so much for the kind review!

[Frieda P]

Ahhh this one will resonate with all the women here Friday, very good subject. All that in the 'vault' stuff we keep to ourselves that have a profound effect on our lives, This one hums on your page my friend, excellent read.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

So glad you liked it, Frieda!

[Emily B]

oh, yes . . . these are the words that i was looking for today . . . words that would do well stencilled on a shop wall, next to the ribbons and my threads

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you so much, Emily...your words mean a lot to me. Humbled...

[Master K-tops]

Amazing piece. Evidence of sheer genius. Thanks for sharing.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Truly appreciate your words!

[thespaceinmybed]

This is so good. It feels so real, and warm and truthful. Simply beautiful. Amazing writing.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

So glad you enjoyed this one!

[KAin]

With sensible feet and idealist hands...
Quite the opposite of my feet and hands! Foolish feet and cynical hands have left their mark, and shovelled dirt over secrets all kept in a cave in some nameless place.

This is such an intriguing poem! Not least because it makes the reader wonder exactly what secrets you have. I also like how you mentioned those places... it makes one wonder how many versions of the truth of who you are there might be in the world.
Nice work, Girl Friday!

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you, my friend... Well, I'm actually a pretty honest person, and I make it a point to not "lie", unless it is simply by ommission or to save someone from feeling pain, which often leads to them feeling more pain down the road...wait a minute...I'm spilling all my secrets here. I'll stop...go trapse around in the Mohave and you may find a few of mine :)

[KAin]

...damn! and here I was hoping you'd let something slip!
Though I quite understand those... lies by omission. I tend to avoid deception of any kind. I suppose it's my wish to always be told the truth that compels me to always do the same. I suppose my honesty has gotten me into trouble before, but somehow it felt better than if I had to deceive. I have an ocean to cross to get to the Mojave! but I'll be America-bound soon enough...