I watch you sleep in my bed tonight and wonder,
What am I going to do with you?
I could put you on the shelf
where I have put the ones before you.
No, dust does not suit you.
I could place you under the glass with Mother's thimbles.
No, there are no pricking needles.
Maybe in the book with Daddy's stamps.
No, age won't turn your corners up.
I remind myself that you are a man, not a neglected doll.
Why didn't I think that with the others?
I left them to rest there.
One day they were just gone.
I never thought much about it.
I think you might be different.
-Heather McChesney
I wrote this poem almost a decade ago in a Creative Writing class at West Virginia University. I clearly remember the day I sat down to write it. The sun was shining like it is in Charleston today. Perhaps that is what sparked the memory.
It was a rare sunny day, mid semester in Morgantown. I had evaded the cluster of students congregating outside of the Mountain Lair and went to the one place where I would hide out when I needed some quiet or reflective time. On the far side of Woodburn Hall is a very peaceful view of the Mon River and what lies below the campus on the hill. I would frequent this place every once in a while to gain a bit of perspective on the world and where I fit in it at that particular moment.
I also remember how I was feeling on that particular day. I was ecstatically, euphorically in love. I truly knew it was love on my part and believed that it was on his part as well. I would like to think that with our remembrance of that time this statement is true. Granted much has happened in the decade since this poem was written. Lies have been told, hearts have been broken, healed, and re-broken. Lives have continued. Friends have been made and lost. Worlds no longer orbit together. Nonetheless, on that particular day I was unabashedly in love.
There is a picture in my mind of a fragment of a moment in a day when a girl wrote a modern day love poem for a boy she adored. I share it with you and hope it brings smiles and fond memories of a singular moment in your own lives.
16 comments:
"...dust does not suit you..."
What a great line! You definitely succeeded in bringing back fond memories of simpler times.
Thanks, Miss Bee! I do appreciate it. It was a long time ago, but sometimes it is comforting to remember a moment like that.
Lame.
Don't quit your day job.
Oh, wait..you teach English to children? Then, DEFINITELY quit your day job. Also, please publish where you work, so I can make sure I don't send my children there.
Nothing you say is of any importance, and it amazes me that you think you are interesting enough to have a blog.
Lame.
Anonymous,
Everyone is entitled to an opinion. Might I suggest that you discontinue reading this particular blog, and find one that better suits your personal tastes. Though not constructive, I do appreciate you for taking the time to provide criticism and feedback.
Best of luck in your reading adventures.
Obviously anonymous has some issues of his/her own. Anyone who writes something as negative as that means they are leading a life where they do not even appreciate themselves. Putting other people down, especially when it is not correct, does not infact make you a better person. People really need to learn that.
Anonymous #2,
Thank you for your supportive comment.
I like to think that everything comes out in the karmic wash.
Wow, Anonymous #1. I feel sorry for your kids.
Heather - I'm really glad I found your blog! I enjoyed this post. If I hadn't enjoyed it, I probably would have just navigated away instead of taking time out of my day just to put you down, which is something a miserable little asshat would do.
I loved the poem. I also loved the memory. I often fondly look back at my days as a WVU student, sitting on a piece of lawn overlooking the beautiful campus, with thoughts full of wonder of where life would take me...
Renee,
Days like that one are days that make me want to move back to Morgantown. :)
Chez
Lovely. Your poem evokes the memory of similar feelings I have felt many times. Regarding Anonymous #1, I agree with jiveturkey, who uses my favorite word of all time: asshat.
Anonymous #1
I had Ms. McChesney for class and she is a fantastic English teacher. So before you cast judgement look at your own life because what you do not like about other people is what you do not like in yourself. I really like your poem Chez. Love Ya!
Beau,
Thank you very much. I do appreciate you and what you said.
Shoot me a message on Facebook or via email when you get the time. I'd love to know how your post high school life has been going.
Smiles,
Chez
I totally know the feeling. The fall is when it hits me the most.
The poem is beautiful and brought a smile to my face the first time I read it.
Sadly for Mr/Ms Anonymous, what we are is frequently reflected back at us as we judge others. So I must conclude s/he is as lame as s/he *thinks* you are.
Keep up the good work.
Chez-
Interesting that your would post this poem for the world to read.I remember a long long time ago when you gave it to me. I still have it in fact.
R..
R..
I believe the day I wrote that blog I was having a sensory overload filled with familiarity and nostalgia.
As for the poem, I have it framed in the hallway of my apartment. Anyone who has ever stepped foot in any of my homes over the last decade or so has most likely read it. It gets lots of feedback. I'm proud to be the author.
As for you remembering when it was given to you and still having it, I'm not surprised by that at all. I would be offended if you didn't.
I still have your copy of "Hope For The Flowers." I re-read it a couple times a year. It is such a beautiful story.
H-
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