Time in a Bottle

Ticking, ticking, ticking...

 

Time in a Bottle

By Jack Ivey

 

I turn the key within its chamber

The hinges cry a woeful squeak

Closed up tight for years uncounted

Moments that this attic keeps

 

Memories of days forgotten

Scattered on this wooden floor

As if time trapped in a bottle

Safely kept for evermore

 

Foraging through endless bounties

Dust it lays more than an inch

Dim, the incandescent light bulb

No one else has been here since

 

Now my mind it tends to wander

Dreaming of the good old days

Photographs breathe life now savored

Black and white their bold displays

 

I find a tear my eye now forming

Destined, I relive the cost

Draped of fabric worn and tattered

Faces of the friends I’ve lost

 

Is this it, my life collected

Answered questions now begin

Left for someone to discover

Soon to scatter on the wind

 

I turn the key within its chamber

The lock it moans an empty click

Count your blessings as they happen

Life it passes, oh so quick

Author's Note

Thank you for reading

Reviews

["writing by" KS]

What can I say Jack ?... This is simply wonderful. Reminded me of my childhood, when I would be sat in some old relatives loft searching through their ancient trunks and suit cases. I could even smell the dry musty stench.
Then the sadness of lost life, as it races past us in a blur of time.
I loved it. Thank you.

[Jack...]

Thank you so much KS for your kind words

[Kaylee]

Beautiful! This, sir, is what I consider to be the perfect poem (if there is such a thing). Wonderful word usage and imagery, moving both rhythmically and mentally, and it cuts right to the core in a tender and yet powerful way. My favorite line in particular was "Photographs breath life now savored"... I strongly believe in the power of pictures and the countless memories they can hold, visible or not. I could spend hours staring at pictures, even those of strangers... and I could spend hours reading wonderful poetry like this. Thank you so much for sharing!

[Jack...]

Thank you Kaylee for your kind words.

[Blue Ivory]

This is really meaningful. It made me think. And the part about answered questions really stands out in your poem.

[Jack...]

Thank you so very much.

[Salar Majak]

ohhhhhhhh i really know what you mean!!!!
if only this life would JUST SLOW DOWN! JUST A BIT!!!
i think it would be wonderful to take a break from time!!!
great write!

[Jack...]

Thank you for your sweet comments.

[Salar Majak]

:) you are welcome!

[Marc Marlon Villaflor]

"Relative, honest and breathtaking" I can relate with this poem. I felt sad as time goes by, this really true! still Great Work Jack!

[Jack...]

I appreciate your kind comments.

[Larry Dyson]

nicely phrased and makes me think what has changed and what I would have rather stayed the same..are we betteroff?..

[Jack...]

Actually, I think we are better on. Thanks so much

[PoeticVandal]

awesome poem, so beautiful

[Jack...]

hey, thanks for stopping by. I appreciate it.

[Mary Christabel George]

I feel very small to comment here.
All I can say is - I thank you that I could read TIME IN A BOTTLE.

[Jack...]

It is I who feels small to be honored by such kind words from you. Thank you so much.

[Mary Christabel George]

Sir Welcome........:)

[Ayvid N]

Jack, this is so beautiful...
You took the reader there with you. I could feel the dust, I could smell the musty air and see those faded photos in dim lighting. For me this is your best poem... A favorite to which no words may do full justice!

A powerful message too.

[Jack...]

As always Divya, your word are so kind and encouraging. Thank you so much.

[Kenilo Kent]

Powerful emotions, keen observer you are. Yes, sometimes goodbye is a second chance, a sec. Chance to a new beggining.

[Jack...]

Thank you so much