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.
Copyright © 2017, all rights reserved.
Reprinted by permission of the author.
