Paper and Penny Thoughts



Paper and penny thoughts
fade inside an envelope.

She once knew how
to speak with a pen.

but the glory of vocabulary
has dwindled into silence.

Now all her hand can do
is chase shadows through yesterday’s ink.


©Susie Clevenger 2013


Mag 194

Comments

Ella said…
This is hauntingly touching me in many ways! It reminds me of age, losing one's memory and the art work I just submitted to a challenge~
Susan your words illuminate the once cherished thoughts and shine on their offerings being wonderful days! Beautiful and sad...
November 17, 2013 at 11:37 PM
Billy Blue Eyes said…
I can picture the person fadeing like the words
November 18, 2013 at 2:04 AM
Vandana Sharma said…
It is really sad to lose words and just chase shadows. It steals our ability to communicate.
November 18, 2013 at 6:30 AM
Kerry O'Connor said…
I love old letters in faded envelopes. It is a great pity that letters have fallen out of fashion in the present era.
November 18, 2013 at 9:24 AM
Kathe W. said…
poignant ....I have come upon old letters written by deceased family members and I wonder who will have remnants of written letters in the years to come when so many people now only use email?
November 18, 2013 at 11:27 AM
Helen said…
... 'glory of vocabulary' ~~~ we are reminded of this glory as we read your words.
November 18, 2013 at 11:32 AM
Sherry Blue Sky said…
I remember when I could ONLY write with a pen. Have now learned to "write" with a keyboard, but I feel my mind-poetry connection was purer with a pen. I love this poem's glimpse of , perhaps, an aging woman's dwindling memory. Haunting.
November 18, 2013 at 3:07 PM
Susan Anderson said…
Sad...and a great ending to bring it home.

=)
November 18, 2013 at 4:40 PM
kaykuala said…
So sad that it did not sustain. Some do face such abrupt endings. But there were still the memories, though! Wonderful write Susie!

Hank
November 18, 2013 at 6:03 PM
Dick Jones said…
A very effective imagistic pairing of ideas here, Susie - the fading of the ink and the dissolution of memories. Delightful.
November 19, 2013 at 1:56 AM
Silent Otto said…
Egad you are right , email must be so much easier when one gets older ..... Very presciient , thanks

Anyone seen Berowne this week ?
November 19, 2013 at 8:45 AM
Tess Kincaid said…
She once knew how to speak with a pen...oh I like that...
November 19, 2013 at 12:21 PM
21 Wits said…
Oh I'm hoping her yesterday's ink will bring tomorrow's joys! Lovely poem.
November 19, 2013 at 4:31 PM
Doctor FTSE said…
Yes, it's must be sad to realise and hard to accept that one's talents as a writer are fading.
November 20, 2013 at 1:16 AM
Jennifer Wagner said…
Aww! I feel the sense of loss in your words with the thoughts fading and that especially sorrowing close. Great writing Susie!
November 20, 2013 at 11:42 AM
Katherine said…
Yesterdays ink would hold wonderful memories... this was eloquently written. Most lovely!
November 21, 2013 at 1:02 AM
~T~ said…
Let's not forget how to "speak with a pen"!
November 26, 2013 at 2:19 PM
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