Crickets

[Doreen Peri]

There are crickets in my ears.
I washed the sheets and dressed the bed
I lie in. Where shall I go today? To the library?
To the bar? To the river to watch motorboats
and shimmered sun? I pick up a book and read
three chapters. I can’t find myself in there.
I pull the sheets over my head and pretend to nap.
The crickets are annoying as hell.
They’re battling with endless possibilities
in the space between my ears.
Perhaps I’ll get up and vacuum memories
off of the carpet. The Salvation Army is coming
to pick up his clothes and shoes. I don’t know
what to do with the odds and ends in his lockbox.
There’s nothing secret in there.

[the mingo]

*Sparkle on the Monkey Train*

[Doreen Peri]

Really? You're kidding! Seriously?

Thx ... Missed ya and welcome back.

[saw]

very nice depiction of a someone streaming thoughts....from crickets to the Salvation Army the reader can feel angst....the sadness as well laced with the day to day...I really like this Doreen, and hope to see a lot more

[Arcadia]

a sign of the times...!! Bravo Doreen!!

[Doreen Peri]

Thx, Steve and Arcadia.

Well, it was how my life was one day when trying to pack up his clothes for the Salvation Army. It took me almost four months to do it. I've never had to give away a deceased lover's clothing before. It was an extremely difficult day. Every piece meant something to me. Every shirt, every pair of pants, they all had memories. I kept 4 shirts, one that said Peace on it which I gave him for Christmas last year because he loved it and wanted it. That one I sometimes sleep in. And 3 more long-sleeved winter shirts to keep me warm. I still can't seem to empty the lockbox.

[judih]

good to read these more than words
things shift, today stuff, tomorrow stuff
a chance to notice

[Doreen Peri]

Thanks, Judih.

I'm getting up tomorrow to start week two of the six-week CrossFit fitness challenge. It's brutal. I hope I make it through the 6 weeks because if I don't, somebody else may be giving away my clothes (I don't have many).

I'm trying to save my life! ... But I don't know how this will pan out. I don't need "stuff", i need LOVE ... and PEOPLE... and I miss my lifelong friend, Michael. It was phenomenal how God (or the Universe or whoever did it) gave me the time I DID have with him. My last chance to love is how I thought of it... but I thought we'd grow old together. I see older couples in their 70s or older walking together hand-in-hand, and I am so very happy for them but I get jealous and start crying.

Lightning Rod and I were so close. I loved him so much. We created music and poetry and then I started feeling bad that I pushed him away and he left... and he got cancer and died. And I cried and cried and cried.

But then I found Michael and we grew up together and we were sooooo tight and it wasn't easy but it was so beautiful and one night he fell asleep on the front porch sitting next to me and never woke up and I don't know what to do, Judih.... I'm so lost and alone.

If you hear from my children, please ask them to call me.

Thank you. I love you!

[WIREMAN]

Allie, Allie, free the chillens......like this jam like sojourn ....

[judih]

call your kids. call your friends. your poem reaches out. all reaching out brings responses.
The mind is our aid. I sit on the porch with you.

[Arcadia]

keep writing, brave poet Doreen!!!!!!!! (and also doing cross-fit! if you want it...! ). You already HAVE right now people and love, amiga!!!!!!