D.N.E.

[constantine]

one by one
they take the back door
names forgotten, features
and faces dissolve into darkness
it grieves me that i can't recall
my milk buddies of kindergarten
the name of my second grade teacher
women i've made love to
friends and enemies
the ingredients of my life
i am diminished by their absence
unraveling daily, those moments
that make up our stay, that
finite and limited run
i am selfish and demanding
i want the full package
to remember, to hold
in my calloused, aging hands
to embrace each
one by one
is it not the same for them
how many have forgotten me
they take the back door
they sneak away
as the teacher erases the blackboard

[mtmynd]

"they take the back door
they sneak away
as the teacher erases the blackboard"

fine ending, constantine, for a well-done piece.

[constantine]

thanks. i apologize for not commenting that much lately. for the time being, i only have access to a computer when in school.

[Doreen Peri]

I agree with cecil. Really fine ending!

Here's to the full package ... it's not selfish to want that.

Oh and I doubt greatly anybody's forgotten you.

Good to see you here, even with your current limited time restraints!

[Arcadia]

sometimes memory feels like an origami figure hanging near an open window... sometimes not... you´re brave for asking for the full package, friend!!!!!!! interesting poem!!!!!!

[mtmynd]

arcadia : "sometimes memory feels like an origami figure hanging near an open window... sometimes not... "

damn! what a great line, V! me gusta mucho.

[Lightning Rod]

(Still here I carry my old delicious burdens,
I carry them, men and women, I carry them with me wherever I go,
I swear it is impossible for me to get rid of them,
I am fill'd with them, and I will fill them in return.)

Whitman

[gypsyjoker]

Just as I was getting ready to give up and google I finally got the title.




Wonderful poem sounds like a song

I am diminished by age
not the memories
but by the people

[Doreen Peri]

I didn't know what D.N.E. stands for but didn't want to appear stupid so I didn't ask.

But now that you brought it up, Jack...

What is it, dino? Do Not Enter? That's the only thing I can think of but it doesn't fit.

[jweeble]

Do not erase?

i am selfish and demanding
i want the full package
to remember, to hold
in my calloused, aging hands

Those are the lines that stuck with me and made me cry today...

[constantine]

do not erase. teachers would write it on the blackboard when they wanted the work on the board to remain for the next day. thanks all for such kind remarks.

[hester_prynne]

D.N.E. this poem because it is so passionately lovely!
A groovy read, made me barely remember some old classmates!
Sometimes I think you too are a heartist.
H

[westcoast]

awesome write dino. packs a punch.

~westie