A Piece of Stolen Time

I remember when I wrapped it carefully--
put it away, and those who led me into life
could rest until I call them forth into
a resurrected day

.

Now the package lies in that old bureau drawer,
undisturbed through seven decades
I don't need it, and I can't throw it away.
It is all I have of the I, that once was everything.

 

I remember most of what is there, or believe I do.
Does it depend on me?
Do these unremarkable, precious ghosts
still fly with slippery wings?

 

And do they ever think of me?
Oh yes, I know they do.  I have a date
with them, already penciled in, and though
I cannot see it, I know that it is soon.

 

Meanwhile, they stand there, motionless,
their smiles know no martyrdom,
a silent miracle--my treasure is well-preserved.
And, I too shall play their role.

 

So this is our reality; we make it so.
Our thievery is faithful, and I hear the rumbling
of a past creating future as I watch.
The tumbling years will never pass me by.

 

The pictures in my mind may lie forever
in that bureau drawer, but tragedy and conquest,
love and sweet regret will stalk the ages
now condensed for me in one cherished

 

fragment of reflection when
an idle consciousness audaciously
burst forth into unending light.
              ~

 

Reviews

[Sami Khalil]

"So this is our reality; we make it so.
Our thievery is faithful, and I hear the rumbling
of a past creating future as I watch.
The tumbling years will never pass me by.



The pictures in my mind may lie forever
in that bureau drawer, but tragedy and conquest,
love and sweet regret will stalk the ages
now condensed for me in one cherished"


A splendid poem. I like those lines the most . Well penned , sir...:)............

[Dean]

thank you, Sami. I so appreciate your loyalty

[Sami Khalil]

My pleasure...Any time...:)...............

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

I rather like the thought of seeing loved ones again, those that have been kept in memory for so many years. I can only imagine the joy of being joined again with those whom you have loved, who have loved you in return; and who have been waiting for your arrival, to join them there.

"... an idle consciousness audaciously burst forth into unending light." Since consciousness is singular, 'burst' should be 'bursts."

Otherwise, this is perfect. I love the reflection and wisdom that time lends to your words.

[Dean]

I meant it in past tense, so it works. But I do appreciate your watchfulness! It is very important to me.

Although I am by no means a conservative, and a Christian no longer, I do believe a reunion is coming. I can tell you that I have some remarkable experience I may share with you eventually.

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

If you mean it in the past tense then the rest of the sentence must be in the same tense as well, otherwise, it reads awkwardly.

[Dean]

I'll be sure to take another look. I do appreciate your comments.

[Dean]

Having checked, I do very much agree with what you say about consistency of tense, but honestly I do think that the previous future reference is only incidental to the conclusion (i.e. the future recalling the past) So this time I'll be a little stubborn and keep it--at least for now.

[fwvalidus]

Very well written, it is very elegant. My favourite lines are likely "Our thievery is faithful, and I hear the rumbling of a past creating future as I watch."
-->I do believe you have created some great quotes about time and its unparalleled character

[Dean]

Thank you for your careful read

[Akshay Rawal]

Sir , a nice take on time......though the passage of time is not in our control, but its usage just depends on us,,,,,,,this carefully-saved time was a delight for a seventy year-old man and i think reading this poem is worth spending time upon.....

[Dean]

Thank you for thinking along with me

[Zahra]

Intriguing, an amazing and unique piece. Very well penned.

[Dean]

Thank you very much. It is always good to see more readers here.

[Ankit Mahar]

I could never had thought in such a way .It was relly deep .And one more thing 'it was awesome'.Hats off to yau man.

[Dean]

thank you, Ankit

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Another fantastic, deep and powerful write, my friend. In facing our own mortality, in looking into that proverbial mirror, we see what is truly real, whether we like it or not. There are those who have come before us, and those that will come after us. Acceptance and understanding are the only things that we can rely upon. Great imagery, great language choice, and the tone of this one was very down to earth while still being emotionally powerful. I'm always a fan of your work!

[Dean]

You are always incredibly kind

[Tom]

A deep philosophical peruse over past memories, the source of which are condensed into old photos of close folk gone before. Are they still present in some other conscious reality, waiting and watching to one day greet those that they left behind?

I'd like to think so Dean, aren't we all past, present and future, part of a grander scheme of things of which we can't hope to understand until we arrive there? But eddying even so, to delve and share in the wonderment!

Top write once more Dean!

[Dean]

Thanks. I think they are

[Marie]

Everynow and then (like today) I find something that meant a great deal once, means nothing now, and throw it away. Life is a treasure I won't keep in a drawer.

[Dean]

I was thinking primarily of pictures

[Lydia Shutter]

Traces of former relationships, former hobbies, former loves.....we all keep them for different reasons. They are precious to us even if we never look at them. There is comfort in knowing they are there if we need to crawl into their safety for a while. We all wonder if people from our past ever think of us. It's my belief they do. Your reference to "tumbling years" made me think perhaps you are feeling your age...wondering where life will lead you now. Thought provoking poetry and I enjoyed it. Lydi**

[Dean]

Thanks! Yes, I wonder, but I'm not at all worried about it. There's too much evidence (at least in my experience) to be concerned about that. And, yes, I feel my age, but see it only as another step I must face. Life is a little more inconvenient, but still rewarding.

[Lydia Shutter]

I absolutely agree, Dean. To a large extent, it is what we make of it.