Pages
Poetry — By Bonnie May on September 9, 2012 at 12:00 pm
For a while now,
it has seemed
that your leaving signified
pages being ripped
from the binding of my book.
Leaving a chunk of my chronicle
missing
destroyed
empty
almost as if those pages never existed
as if we never lived, loved, laughed, or cried
as if our lives and our hands never intertwined
like those two ancient oaks in my grandmother’s backyard.
And maybe, that’s how it has to be for you.
Maybe that’s the way you have learned to live . . .
How the heartache and pain of your past has taught you to survive.
So, you have ripped me out of the pages of your book.
You must feel the way the binding is loose,
The way your story is incomplete . . .
but you carry on, calmly,
nonchalant
And though there will come a day you will miss those pages
I am glad you are happy, now . . .
missing pages and all.
As for me . . .
I realize,
when you left, you did not
violently rip those pages
out of my book –
but rather
gently forced me
to start another chapter.
Thank you, for that.
Tags: breaking up, new beginnings, Poetry, Relationships, starting over, Stories
32 Comments
I love you so much Bonnie. Your words speak a harsh truth that we all must realize at some point in our lives. Thank you for your poetry. But mostly, thank you for being you.
Thank you so much, Nate! It is harsh, but I think facing softens the blow some. Love you tons, too!
This is wonderful.
Thank you so much, Kim. I always enjoy your writing here, so it is a huge compliment that you enjoyed my poem.
Beautiful words, Bonnie, that speak to anyone who has loved and lost!
Thanks, Carey. That is my hope!
A beautiful juxtaposition of emotions, insightful, transparent, melodic. Just brilliant.
Thank you, Chem. You’re a man who knows poetry, so your words are really significant to me.
For all of us who have loved and lost, you capture that time for many with grace and dignity through a beautifully eloquent remembrance and tribute. I am so proud of you and your growth these past years and even more proud to call you my dear friend.
Thank you so much, Cilla. I wouldn’t change a thing in my life because it has shaped me into the woman I am today.
Excellent thoughts, though a chapter is lost, another will start and allow us to begin anew. Very inciteful.
Thanks, Tim! So glad that each day is a new day, and each new chapter of life is filled with endless possibilities.
Your diction and imagery provide all who read this the ability to relate, recall, and reflect on a personal level.
Thanks, Kelli. It’s nice to have insight from a fellow English teacher. I hope it speaks to people.
Beautiful!
Thanks, Stephanie! I enjoy reading your blog!
Bonnie;
Brought back some difficult memories for me from a lot of years ago. You did a much better job of expressing those feelings than I did. I really liked it and it must be good if a redneck math guy can understand it.
I am so glad it connected with you, Jim. Thanks!
Oh, Bonnie. I am so proud of you…when I read your words I “felt” the power and emotional truth they convey; my heart hurt but isn’t that what good poetry is supposed to do…get us worked up. You have created some vivid images mixed in with that extended book metaphor (Donne would be impressed) that comes full circle at the end. Plus, I love how the poem looks visually.
Impressive!!!
You Go Girl!!!
Elene
Thank you so much, Elene! Very high praise, indeed! I am glad you “got” it!
My dear, you write for us all – all of us who have fallen yet remain determined to rise! What a delight to read these lovely words a second time only this time in published form. We remain proud of our poet in residence!
Best always,
Connie
Connie, as always, thank you for your kind words and consistent encouragement.
Wow! This is amazing, moving and most impressive! Nicely done. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for your encouragement!
Wonderfully heart-felt and emotional!! Thank you for putting into words and creating such a vivid picutre of something that so many of us have experienced one time or another. I am very proud and impressed with your talent and ability as a writer, though I am far from surprised.
Thank you so much, Wendy!
Love your writing Bonnie! I hope that the new chapters are the best yet!
Thanks, Amy! And thank you for always being such a support and amazing listening ear!
This poem is very depressing
I am sorry you feel that way. I thought it ended on a hopeful note…
I completely agree with Billy
I intended it to demonstrate the beauty that comes from ashes… the heartbreak of having loved and lost but living to start a new chapter. Sorry that was lost for you…