These Things

These Things 

I sit in the quiet, 

watching the riot of the fan blades blow, 

spinning with spiraling, radial force, 

of course. 

I hear the rattle of something...semi-distant, 

as the luxury of a modern AC unit kicks in. 

I think of things, 

(not these...) 

things that weren’t here. 

In this moment with a heating pad against an aching back, 

with ice-lined sore feet... 

a blanched balance bound by cold, 

and heat, 

calms the weary nerves in between. 

Then the things, 

(not these things) 

but the ones to do in my head, 

the list of forevers comes to the front, 

forward in memoriam, 

as eyes lose focus for a moment (or more...) 

The tightness of the clamp holding my hair digs in, 

reminding, 

snapping thoughts back to present, 

to things, (not these things) 

and my locks let loose, 

dangling in a relaxed mess upon my shoulders, 

reminding it’s still sultry summer. 

Another thought occurs... 

one of a young man whom I adored for a few moments, 

more... 

darling smile, 

gentle hands and soft lips... 

sweet scent of youth left to wonder of such things, 

these things, 

his place in another extrinsic space...and I’m lost in him.... 

for a breath only, 

then, 

wonderment begins anew, 

as I hear the muffled footsteps of wee ones, 

next door to the floor I walk upon oft. 

I do. 

Wonder at such things, 

these things that are not, 

but once were, 

a long time before the we,  

and the us,  

and the I, 

Alone. 

I’m left with the feels that feel deep, 

rooted impressions in these things. 

Things that grab hold for a bold moment afore the change, 

and they’re gone. 

These things, 

subtle things, 

my things. 

... 

Author's Note

Lost in thought...

Reviews

[Dave]

Our memories, whether good or bad are such a part of us. Thankfully the pleasant ones are the easiest to remember. The trying ones are those we wish to forget yet at the most importune time they reappear and if we want to or not they remain alive in our mind.
Take care - Dave

[barleygirl]

I love how your slightly scrambled rambling represents the way our thoughts bounce inside our heads when we are lost in thought. Excellent show instead of tell, about how it feels to be in this state of mind (((HUGS)))

[Seriana]

Thank you!! I LOVE scrambled rambling. Reminds me a bit of the poetry slams I've seen. Too shy to do one myself but I imagine this would be a fun one to rant on over. Thanks for your kind words!

[K writes]

I love memories, not so much the bad ones, but I look to the good ones.
this is wonderful

[Unspoken poet]

our memories make us who we are, I like the mode you set to pull this write together, your feelings flow well. Nicely written and expressed

[Periac]

i miss that thought
thought i’d stop by to say 👋
Lovely Piece

[emmajoy]

Seems you turned back layers of memories - even Self perhaps - recalling, re-living and feeling what were emotionally meaningful but were somehow mislaid yet now appear in neon thought, ' the list of forevers comes to the front, - forward in memoriam, - as eyes lose focus for a moment (or more... ' There maybe be passion, that might be glimmers of fear.. for some the mix becomes One in its form of subtlety > perhaps. Such memories are rarely whole in the telling. Long live commas, ellipses, and all!

[Seriana]

Thank you, sweet girl. Couldn't help the ramble...
So grateful to see you here!

[Re-Pete]

you had me from the riot of the fan blades. 'these thing's are so deep and leave me in awe. so well done.
exceptional job. thanks for sharing a bit of your secret, innermost thoughts and workings ... :)

[Seriana]

Thank you Pete! I'm grateful to you for stopping by and sharing. Glad you enjoyed!

[Einstein Noodle]

wow! captivating read for me .. truly drawn in and held start to finish .. this line "a blanched balance bound by cold," is stunning in it's powerful contrast ... i thought of blanched feet or hands and what that would be like sticking them in ice water .. oh my goodness Seriana!! i love the "not these" .. builds mystery and suspense and such a simple but powerful turn in "these" .. the introduction of the children filled my heart with warmth and joy ... great stuff here ... felt your lost in thought .. thanks so much for sharing .. so glad i did not miss this one
E.

[Seriana]

Hello E! So happy to see you, and even more thrilled to have captivated your attention. Yay!! Thank you for the kindness bestowed in your own words. Truly grateful!
Amber

[Einstein Noodle]

i really enjoyed the experience of "These Things" .. great title by the way ... reminds me of "Needful Things" by Steven King ... the title .. not the stories ;))))))))

[Laz K.]

I enjoyed reading this poem from beginning to end. You build and create a wistful mood so masterfully! I felt like the poem balances on a knife's edge between reality and fantasy /memory. It's a zone I often find myself in as well. Great write!

[Seriana]

Thank YOU! Love your thought and so glad you enjoyed :) That edge of fantasy/reality is a comfort zone. I feel at home there most times. I'll return the favor! Thanks again.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Love the ending, love the entire piece...love is what counts, other things in life are just things, sometimes needless things, sometimes needful things, but just things.
I found myself humming "These Dreams" by Heart as I was reading this really strong, clever piece of writing.
j.

[Seriana]

Hello! Thank you for your kind words, and the earbug! What a lovely song to add to this. Great connection J! Thank you always for your reviews. :)