Do Not Speak Of Me With Them

After a conversation with a friend in Belfast, where he told me he asked some of his friends if they knew of me.

Do not speak of me with them. 

Instead, let their memories 

Of my mistakes, 

My selfish acts and arrogances 

Die away with their silence.

Do not utter my name to them. 

Instead, spare a thought 

For how I let them down 

Or pushed them away, 

And shield them from reminders.

Do not ask if they know me. 

How could they, my friend, 

When I knew no more 

About that petulant fool 

Than I know of myself, today?

Do not give them the chance, either, 

To curse my name, to enjoy or jeer 

How Ego's inferno left me in cinders 

Now, while I rise to retreat, 

Their satisfaction heals not these burns.

So do not ask, for if you know 

Me still, you may know 

More than they did, or even I; 

Instead, let me build a new name.

Reviews

[Nipplegrinder]

The final two stanzas are remarkably eloquent. Nicely done, this.

[Scott De Buitléir]

Thank you very much!

[Onlyme]

A wonderful poem Scott, that expresses heartfelt felt sentiments of wanting to start afresh and let you build a new name. Instead of reminders of the past. Making a statement for you. Instead of them getting to know you for you alone. Not hearsay.

[Scott De Buitléir]

Thank you, Dawn. I think it's something we all have to go through; admitting to oneself that they weren't perfect or infallible, especially in younger years. Thanks again!

[Onlyme]

I agree with you totally Scott. And it takes a big person to admit their flaws. Proud of you Scott.

[Chris Shaw]

An accomplished write, very well expressed. Your ending "let me build a new name", confirms to this reader your regret about the way you treated people in the past.

Chris

[Scott De Buitléir]

Thanks Chris! It's something of a self-acknowledgement or cleansing ritual poem, but hopefully it heralds a new start.

[Chris Shaw]

Never too late to begin again Scott.