Prompt #314 – What We Keep

Of course, we all keep memories, but sometimes there are tangible objects that become “valuable” to us because of their connections to our memories. Mementos and keepsakes that belonged to loved ones, that came from places we’ve visited, were gifts given to us, and even old photographs—these all fall into the category of “what we keep.”

When my mom passed away, twenty years ago, I brought many of her things home to my house. Many of the items I treasure most are the small things that she used every day—familiar and  humble. Among them are the salt and pepper shakers from her kitchen—not her crystal, silver-topped antiques, but the dime store set that was part of her daily life. These casual items have become personal and meaningful treasures.

What have you kept that belonged to another time, another place, another person? Why did you keep it? Why do you feel “close” to it? Write a poem about something you keep and treasure because of its connection to someone you loved, a special place, or a time in your life that was especially important to you.

Guidelines:

1. Begin by making a list of things you’ve kept and treasured over the years.

2. Next, annotate each object on your list with the people, memories, and feelings  associated with the items.

3. Then, select one of the items on your list—only one. If the object is handy, spend some time with it.

4. Free write for a while about the item you selected.

5. Finally, work on writing a poem about the item you selected.

Tips:

1. Avoid sentimentality. Anything with a strong emotional attachment can lead you into the trap of becoming sentimental. Be aware of that when you write.

2. Start with a line that will invite your readers into the poem. A “so what” beginning can ruin a poem like this.

3. Include enough details to describe the item, to remember the people, place, and feelings associated with it, but be wary of over-using adjectives, articles, and prepositional phrases.

4. Steer clear of trite expressions, clichés, and hackneyed similes and metaphors. Keep your writing fresh and direct.

5. If you began writing in the past tense try switching to the present (or vice versa), and see which version works better.

6. End with a “punch.” Avoid summing up, and think about concluding with a strong image.

Example:

Read the following poem carefully, and observe how skillfully the poet creates a memoir poem based on her father's cuff links

Work Clothes by Nancy Lubarsky

 (for my father)

Long after you were gone

I found your cuff links

in a velvet pouch among my

bracelets. The A (for Arthur), etched

in gold ovals, leaned right, the tail

swirled left, like a wave receding.

There’s mystery in the curls,

from a time before font names

were familiar, when elaborate letters

pledged stories to come.

I never saw you wear them – never

watched you twist the levers into slits

on cuffed shirts, or slip your arm into

the sleeve of a pinstriped suit.

Your work clothes were heavy twill –  

drawstring pants, an apron –

you left at midnight with them

stashed in a canvas sack, and headed

deep into the Bronx.

Over time, they wore and frayed,

stained with jelly and chocolate.

In middle school, after Home Ec

ended, you surprised me with the

sewing machine. In late afternoon,

at the dinette, you cut patches

while I mended holes and edges.  

My toe touched the pedal, the machine

whirred – you asked me to print

your initials inside along the seams.

From The Only Proof, Aldrich Press, Kelsay Books 
Copyright © 2017, all rights reserved. 

Reprinted by permission of the author.

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