|
Emerge
by Glenn CurrierI’ve never been a big fan of the past -
faithful as it is.
Standing before a thrift shop window
I would rather reflect on the reflected face
of the old woman standing next to me
than on the dusty books inside.
Faithful as it is
the past is fickle in the mind
that day at the beach brighter there
the harshness of her parting words darker
more poignant
pierced with pity.
By nature, I throw it away
glad to be rid of its tailings
ready to mine the next moment
for its yield
splendid in my imagining.
I’ve never been a big fan of pain
faithful as it is.
Attached to the grit of life
buried in the layers and crevices
of my brain
I discard its traces
at my peril.
But still
my present imagining
of the possibilities
propels me
to vanquish the demons
throw off the rusty chains
to emerge in this moment
to remember
to create. 10/21/2011 Posted on 10/21/2011
Copyright © 2025 Glenn Currier
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by Alison McKenzie on 10/22/11 at 02:22 AM What I think I might hear you saying is that it's so much easier to invest in the reality of moments that have already been experienced, vs. trying to create reality in the moments we have not yet experienced. I've heard it said that the moments exist on either side of "now" in equal measure; two beasts that roar in hunger (for attention). Who will win? The one that is fed. This is excellent, Glenn. It's made me think about time in a new way. Thank you! |
| Posted by Quentin S Clingerman on 10/28/11 at 11:35 PM A very optimistic look at life--keep looking up, looking forward. Keeps one feeling and thinking younger. |
| Posted by Chris Sorrenti on 10/30/11 at 12:13 AM I love what you've done here Glenn. Buit a solid poem around the line, "faithful as it is" It's one of those poems that captures a very important aspect of the human condition and spirit, and as a result we all can relate to. Quite clever also, that 4th stanza, combining tailings and mining, with again your spirit. |
| Posted by Lori Blair on 11/04/11 at 11:59 AM Lately I feel as if I am that dusty bookshelf..lol..but even if that is true I couldn't help but smile..truly smile..at those final two stanzas! Wow! Thank you for that! |
| Posted by Paul Lastovica on 11/04/11 at 08:53 PM being the visualist that I am - I love that second stanza; and I can vividly picture you and that old woman looking into the window. |
| Posted by Gregory O'Neill on 11/05/11 at 07:08 PM Nice, Glenn! No reason to remain in those "wasted" places, we have this hour before us...what can we do with it that will be edifying
to orthers? To ourselves? Will we create while the world remains a little green, or destroy, by way of desecrating the dreams and hopes of ourselves and those around us? We must choose in this hour and every hour, a constant conversion, some rightous choice. Thanks. |
| Posted by Morgan D Hafele on 11/09/11 at 01:50 AM excellent piece with quite the message! thanks for sharing |
| Posted by Ken Harnisch on 11/11/11 at 01:34 PM "Standing before a thrift shop window
I would rather reflect on the reflected face
of the old woman standing next to me
than on the dusty books inside."
you know, Glenn, having been a dusty book reflecter for too long a time i've just promised myself to see that old woman in the glass before I, myself, become too blind to see. GREAT poem!
|
|
