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


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...
Billy Blue Eyes said…
I can picture the person fadeing like the words
Vandana Sharma said…
It is really sad to lose words and just chase shadows. It steals our ability to communicate.
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.
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?
Helen said…
... 'glory of vocabulary' ~~~ we are reminded of this glory as we read your words.
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.
Susan Anderson said…
Sad...and a great ending to bring it home.

=)
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
Dick Jones said…
A very effective imagistic pairing of ideas here, Susie - the fading of the ink and the dissolution of memories. Delightful.
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 ?
Tess Kincaid said…
She once knew how to speak with a pen...oh I like that...
21 Wits said…
Oh I'm hoping her yesterday's ink will bring tomorrow's joys! Lovely poem.
Doctor FTSE said…
Yes, it's must be sad to realise and hard to accept that one's talents as a writer are fading.
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!
Katherine said…
Yesterdays ink would hold wonderful memories... this was eloquently written. Most lovely!
~T~ said…
Let's not forget how to "speak with a pen"!