He cries as he asks it,
silently, alone in his dark.
It's not only her head he knows.
His own has the same answers.
He doesn't often pause to reflect.
It's only when he sees her
in the glossies or on TV –
as beautiful as ever.
Then he remembers
and lets himself remember – briefly –
the dirty streets and the kids
who were them, once upon a time.
She's doing a lot of things
differently now, he can tell.
She's lost that glassy stare.
Her movements aren't marionette.
And after all, he's glad for her,
who escaped. And forgot him.
Even as he, weeping,
remembers himself and her.
Some poets I read have recently been writing persona poems, i.e. writing as someone else, whether real or fictional. This isn't quite that, being in third person, but was inspired by the idea – imagining the (probably) fictional narrator of the song of the same title. (Link added somewhat belatedly after I realised that people might not know the song.)
Linking to Poets United's Poetry Pantry #286
Some poets I read have recently been writing persona poems, i.e. writing as someone else, whether real or fictional. This isn't quite that, being in third person, but was inspired by the idea – imagining the (probably) fictional narrator of the song of the same title. (Link added somewhat belatedly after I realised that people might not know the song.)
Linking to Poets United's Poetry Pantry #286
Oh this is so poignant. She, who has moved on and done well, him left behind on the mean streets.
ReplyDeleteTo each his own. Fortunes made by those who aspire and misfortunes led those without directions. Truly said Rosemary!
ReplyDeleteHank
such things happen everywhere...so sad..
ReplyDeleteA sad reflection. It seems she has been able to 'rise above,' but he has not.....
ReplyDeleteAnd he notices and even applauds. So fine!
ReplyDeleteOh the chasms that can grow from success... But somehow I feel that neither are very happy...
ReplyDeletewell written ! this is a common sight !
ReplyDeleteOh the plight of the one still yearning!
ReplyDeletePoignant yet beautiful :)
ReplyDeleteThis is very touching. Loved it :)
ReplyDeleteWith or without her success, I too look back to those long lost years and wonder about those early friendships I had. I wish them well but still yearn for a part of them still. What a wonderfully moving poem.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of those poems that feels so complete and 'right' - a story beautifully told and so many aching images to relate to..i wonder..did she forget..can we really ever forget even if we are clearer and in a better place..part of me hopes she remembers too..
ReplyDeletethis was so touching. one could see this happening all too often
ReplyDeletelovely. gracias
So poised and poignant called to mind a post shared of a legendarily photographed young couple from Woodstock ..."if" they had parted (though story relayed that they are still together after all these years) ...but I digress ...this piem and tone and images - lovely and heartwarming in love and heart wrenching in loss - thank you for sharing this
ReplyDeleteso much story - both before and after the glassy stare. Well done.
ReplyDeleteOh Rosemary this is beautiful....such a love still held for someone now gone from the narrator's life. I think we all miss some of those special friendships from long ago...I know I do.
ReplyDeletethis is an excellent take on the song.
ReplyDeletei guess no one forgets his roots, but it looks the lady in the poem does. :(
To be caught in that passing moment reflecting on what was and how so differently lives take different paths. Very good write.
ReplyDeleteLove the title and the voice that this is written from :-)
ReplyDeleteI am also on the look out for nicely structured poems. Those first two lines are beautifully crafted. A piece of art.
ReplyDeleteI do like your take on the persona poem. He cries as he asks it,
ReplyDeletesilently, alone in his dark...perfection and leads us through this poem gently.
ahhh...this bittersweet poem made me feel sad. Reminds me of my grandparents' deaths throughout my life. May they rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteThis is sad - life is about choices and it seems she has found a way out of the street and he was left behind.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful poetic story. Too often, too real,
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Love where you went with this and especially that he (the one left behind) can be glad for her (the one who escaped). I dunno ... but this guy sounds like a "keeper" to me. Smiles.
ReplyDeleteOh, I like the forgiveness and appreciation of her from him, evocative poem.
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued about who he knows that is so famous.
ReplyDeleteLosing a glassy stare is always a good sign, don't you think?
ReplyDelete