i think they served fish that day

i think they served fish that day

i met him at his last dinner table

the roses across the room

drew his attention

what little he had left,

his gaze set upon the flowers

mine wandered with his

thinking what he might be thinking

counting how many wishes he had left

imagining he still knew me as he once did

running pastures,

reeling in striped bass

under fluorescent light of Kentucky nights

sifting through his plate

with waning hunger

and circumspect tongue

the same one he scolded me with

when i was just learning life

he cornered a carrot

they battled

i smiled, 

the roses started to wither

i felt the thorns dig into my projections

and his dreams match the roses

gardens hold a certain fascination

but gardeners can only tend them for so long

then others come

and generations find new menus 

with higher prices,

less choices

and harder to pronounce entrees

the simple times became silent

his voice tempered

but still vibrant in my memory

with each relished repast

and each new rose

that catches my attention

when a wish blooms

with his name on it.

erin-cilberto

11/18/17

Reviews

[emmajoy]

A chain of memories about someone loved through what seems be a long life. How the space about that person showed energy and example til it began to fade to mere echoes. Even then and since, everything shared remains as reminders of what matters A metaphorical serving of a life's fine dining.. Perhaps?

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your insightful words, em.

j.

[emmajoy]

Never know if what i see is wha'is there. One can easily misinterpret because the mind detours from yours.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

em,
you know my philosophy with poetry...what the reader sees is what is there.

[emmajoy]

I stand reminded, j.

[h d e rushin]

I have friends who break my heart. I've had lovers who've done the same. Truth be told, there is no real balance between like and love, nor loss of lonely..nor lonesome and lovestruck. Things get harder as we grow older..I noticed this morning that I couldn't even open a jaw without some discomfort...I thought about how I need my fingers for typing more than for Jelly......lol.

Great poem my friend../dana

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, they do get harder, don't they?

thank you for your words, dana.

j.

[icelandicblue]

We know we will all age, but it is still surprising just how fast it happens. So much behind us, and so little left to savor. Yet savor we should, because each bloom is a moment captured that will never repeat itself in the same way again. This was lovely, and it was tinged with a longing that is only earned by living long.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind review, my friend.
j.

[Dionysian Gnostic]

This did make me think of grieving my own father although my father was no fan of fish. If it were me writing instead of you I'd have called the poem; anything but fish. In any case although there is always a bit of pain with these dear memories that have become part of who I am as I'm sure your memories have for you.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

the last visit we had...was lunch at the home...and that was the meal...great visit...thanks, Dionysian.
j.

[Beccy]

jacob; I am at a time in my life when such thoughts loom large and I make no apology that I almost cried as I read this, but the love contained in your words shone through and the sadness was banished.

This is what poetry is; and it will long serve as a reminder that nothing is forever, save the memory.

Thank you.

Beccy.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and thank you for your kind words, Beccy.
j.

[karry]

English poetries are vibrant.So,meaningful,mind soothening words.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, Harris

[karry]

What is this?A masterpiece.Poetry is my soul.

[Isabella Ivy]

This is written so how our minds work: mixing sentiment with a current event, positive and negative emotion, pieces of relationship and so much more at the same time. And yet it's endearing and not confusing. Lovey. I.I.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind review, Isabella....

j.

[Isabella Ivy]

Most welcome :)

[SJ Mullins]

This is absolutely one of the most beautiful poignant poems I have ever read, Jacob. My hat's off to the master! ::bowing down:: I absolutely love it!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

you are very kind my friend...
thank you,
j.

[SJ Mullins]

You are very welcome. I truly love it!

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

We are ever marked by the haunts of the past but time heals, forgiveness reigns, and we find roses more than thorns.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your insightful words Linda....

j.

[Jimmy Yetts]

A patriarch in the dimming days.
Recalling a profoundly sad reality; being blessed with some lovely memories.
Unforgettable poetry!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your words, Jimmy.
j.