the other side

artwork by bariyah25 of wordpress

i reach for the memory 

like a child reaching for candy

but it's always on the other side

the other side of morning

the other side of town

the other side of my heart

it's elusive now...sad to say

like a rose petal falling through slats of a bus bench

impossible to catch

so i get behind the wheel

drive fast to absolutely nowhere

honking the horn

trying to get its attention

but the memory is cagey

so evasive

ah, but the buzz of traffic is a sedative

and while i have no idea how or why

i am suddenly at the edge of a cliff

staring at the other side

and smiling like a fool

Reviews

[Lorry]

Ah, memory. I vaguely recalling when mine wasn't so colander like and I could recite pi to 36 digits. Now, I try to recall it and next thing I'm in the fridge wondering why I'm cutting more apple pie.
It fails us all in the end, but with such a beautiful write as this, it proves the fog lifts and let's us relive those fragments, however briefly.
Great artwork too. Very fitting.

[Lydia Shutter]

Smiling at your review here, Lorry. Thank you so much. Have that Apple Pie! Life is short. Lydi**

[barleygirl]

Your poem carried me away on this pursuit, to the point where I was picturing lots of things, a mile a minute! Thinking of how ideas slip thru fingers, how intent evaporates, & how foolish grins greet the captured essence (finally!) Your imagery is so original & bright, I was in a continual state of being surprised by the ways you showed this whimsical pursuit! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Lydia Shutter]

Margie, I always appreciate your in depth reviews. Thanks so much. Lydi**

[olla]

I don't believe we are born with a memory.. we don't even remember the first two years and then we go to school and the teachers spend the next six years teaching us to remember.. then we turn 65 and retire.. the things we associated with that spured our memory changes and we can't remember things we used to be able to any more and we think we have lost something we never had to begin with.. or.. we get tired of being contradicted and we don't even try anymore..

[Lydia Shutter]

Interesting take on it, Olla. Thank you for reading and commenting. Lydi**

[olla]

I completely identify with going on a mad search for.. something.. now what was it I came in here for.. but look.. there is a new blossom just opening on the Amaryllis.. I honestly stopped trying to remember thins a long time ago.. it was a conscious decision on my part.. the really important things I keep in my secret place.. they seem to be important to only to me anyway.. your writing is a treat.. and I thank you for it..

[Lydia Shutter]

You are most welcome! :)

[Kesch (Finding Julia)]

WOW! I enjoyed this write, this is so very good

[Lydia Shutter]

I appreciate your words, Amy. Lydi**

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

That's what happens to me too.
I smiled at my past sometimes, though I weep when a sad memory struck.

The amusement of a good memory recalled my a mind leap for Joy.

Though the memory is long gone to the farthest side of the world but its present could be felt by the light-speeded wandering thought.

Well penned, Lydia.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks very much, Kay. Lydi*

[redzone]

it's one of those Thelma and Louise moments.. do we leap and catch the memory??? don't know about you Lydi, but I tend to slip off the edge and just before I hit bottom, I snag the memory only to be squished before I open it... but the jolt wakes me up from my daydreaming and I have forgotten to remember, so it's all good... ;0)

you really do write very "nice" poetry Lydi and I always remember to read them as they bring me such wonderful memories...

[Lydia Shutter]

And they become "nice" only after you have reviewed them, my friend. Thanks so much. Lydi**

[Ted Kniffen]

"i am suddenly at the edge of a cliff" I'm afraid a lot of us are at the edge of the cliff staring into the abyss.
Once upon a time 30 seemed so old and now...whoosh that has gone so far by that it is just a fading memory in the rear view mirror. Like a lot of seniors I have my memory moments...I liken it to a computer that has reached its limits on bites and has to make room for more.
There is always that face that was so familiar that has become dim and out of focus or the voice that doesn't quite sound the same anymore.

A good one, Lydia.

[Lydia Shutter]

Ted, thank you so much for the review and for understanding. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Wonderful expression here Lydi**
like rose petals falling through slats of a bus bench.

As the years go by, the images of those we have loved and events become faded with time. It is difficult to see them in high definition. I was thinking this, only this morning, finding it difficult to focus on the features of my Dad's face. I had to really dip into my memory bank. I felt him slipping. Lovely work and your posted artwork an excellent choice. The lines in this poem are multi layered Lydi**, there are other ways to interpret too.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

It pleases me when people can interpret my poetry....no matter what they think the meaning is. Yes, there are different ways to interpret this one, no doubt. Thank you so much, Chris....and I know what you mean about trying to remember loved ones. Lydi**

[Samuel Dickens]

This is likely to have different meanings for different people. As I'm at a place in life where memories are becoming dislodged, misplaced or lost, I see the poem's narrator being like me. Sometimes I really do smile at my forgetfulness.

[Lydia Shutter]

We must smile, Samuel.....crying serves no purpose. Thank you for the review. Lydi**

[emmajoy]

Suddenly there's need to escape what's being hunted for... darn the waiting, darn the time passing and on that smitter voiding the memory! You write however, searching the ground that once you walked but still as stars shine, even the frustration pours out of you, sad perhaps but oh so poignantly beautiful. You can't lose, you're a winner, dear Lydi.

[Lydia Shutter]

You are a sweetheart, Emma. Thank you so much. Lydi**