I like old things.
Hangdog and thin
my old cotton shirt
folds to the floor like silk
smoothe against the skin
that wore it so
new slippers
clutter my wardrobe
still unworn
unable to turn my attention
from their worn-out and threadbare
forebears
I won’t wear
any others
time
has made us comfortable
together
old-leather supple and soft
we’ve weathered each other
and I keep my old things
close
In a list
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 17 of 17
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It is such a joy to see work by a man who has the insight to write poetry like yours.
So often on line there is bad poetry and you have a real gift . -
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Thank you
Having looked up your poems I take your comment as very flattering indeed.
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From a literary point of view, I can appreciate this poem, (love the line "folds to the floor like silk / smooth against the skin"). Then again, since I haven't reached a point where I look at belongings in this manner, I can't really personally relate to it.
I felt I really had to point out that I liked the way you kinda personified the slippers in the last stanza, "time has made us comfortable", and "we've weathered each other". Don't know if you meant it that way, but I like it anyway!
Nish{81} -
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Once again, thank you
Your remarks are both gratifying and insightful. Few have noticed the possibility of 'personification' here ( if indeed that is what it is. Actually it the shirt/slippers come to suggest a person rather than represent one. Whatever - good catch! and Thank You once more.) >W<
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This brought a knowing smile.....
...to my face. Only last night, I donned my favourite pair of comfy cotton combats to lounge around in. I reached for the back pocket and found a hole instead. I'd worn them so thin, they were going threadbare and I'd never even noticed the disintegration taking place!
On the one hand, this poem can be viewed that way - a love and appreciation of old comfortable clobber that new attire simply cannot emulate until worn in and on the verge of collapse. On the other hand, it alludes to being stuck in one's ways; comfortable with the familiar and unwilling to compromise. Both work equally well.
There are some lovely lines within:
"Hangdog and thin"
"from their worn-out and threadbare
forebears"
"old-leather supple and soft
we’ve weathered each other"
Those are my favourites becuase they capture the very essence of this poem. And the clever combo of soothe and smooth in 'smoothe' did not go unnoticed.
Nice job.
Mart
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Thanks Mart
Seems most people can relate to this one at some level. You do me too much credit on the 'smoothe' thing but I'm not telling! I did kinda mean the 'close/clothes thing though and nobody picked it up. But I'm not telling about that either! Thanks again >W<
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I just luuuuuuuv the old stuff!
John, this is sweet. Can't think of a more appropriate word. It reminds me of the things I, myself hold on to....and I have a lot, LOL. (remember the old love pocketbooks?
)
The last stanza though kinda shifted to something more personal - like an enduring love growing stronger and closer with time (or is it just my mushy side? whatever!)
(Don't grin, I'm trying to behave!
)
And I got your note, thank you...i am ok (or trying to be!).
Love and kisses back,
LYNNE
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Scribbler!
SO nice to see your face back in my place! Old friends are best! Thank you for the kind comment and yes, you ARE right about the 'subtext' in the closing lines. It takes an old sentimentalist to know one. And please don't try to behave on MY account ! Lovely to see ya! >W<
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This is possibly one of my favourite poems by you John (Bar The Rhyme of the ancient Powerthingy) It's simplicity distracts us from a poem that is so intensely filled with meaning and personal details that we forget they are there. It sounds to me like an analogy of something else, but there are so many things it could be I won't hazard a guess.
I always feel the best poems are when you can take such a small snapshot of life and create something moving that makes people want to read it again and again. This is what you've done.
Love your arch Neme-sis!
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Hi - Vo Silver !
How great to see my old neme-sis on my home turf! And such a nice (and observant) comment. There is indeed an undercurrent to this one which nobody else seemed to pick up on. Have you been studying? You could get chucked out of the Students Union if they catch you doing that. It's been far too long since we visited the bar. I look forward to our next round. Or maybe I'll see on the rooftops sometime! (Watch out for the pigeon shit!) Lovely to hear from you and thanks again! Your Neme-bro... WINDHOVERMAN (dan de dan-dan daaaaaaaaaan!)
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I think we all form attachments to the familiar and the comfortable. I use my sneakers to the very point of it flaking to nothingness.
There is nothing better than those old things for they prove dependable than the newest things.
Also, i have to agree with Dave, poems don't have to be always be heavy (though i do tend to go that route).
-iphios. Rewarded 4
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Thanks Iphios
Some of the best poems are about little things I think. Indeed my nom de plume is from such a poem. As long as it 'connects' - it's worth writing. Thank you for this report of a connection. I'm embarrassed by how long it is since I visited you and I promise to make an effort very soon. Warmest regards W.
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hey windover
another example of how a poem doesn't have to all heavy with life/death issues, but say something about the everyday things we over look but shouldn't. wonderful.
dave. Rewarded 4
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Lovely and at ease, like those old slippers. . . my favorite shoes are these old brown moccasins that are so worn, I should be ashamed to wear them in public, but I'm not. They're so broken in, they have completely conformed to my feet. I can't bear the thought that I will one day have to throw them out!
"my old cotton shirt/folds to the floor like silk. . ." You just can't put a price on good old clothes.
It's hard to pick out a favorite line, since this poem is so very economical, which is appropriate, given the topic! Not a word wasted.
The tone is definitely the hallmark of this piece. It's quiet and musing, the way people talk when they're settled in to their favorite chairs, smoking pipes and sipping hot beverages. Very homey and safe.
Cheers,
Pie
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Slippers and pipes
Coming from anyone else but you that might make me feel old and doddery! Ha Ha ! Thanks for the comment Your Pastryness, most gratifying and it seems this one found its mark. It's comforting at my age to know there are lots of people out there who also love old things!
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Just right.
Plain and soft and spoken with immeasurable acceptance. I do agree. "threadbare forebears" "old leather...weathered" "smoothe against the skin that wore it so" "keep my old things close" - tender images. Makes me think of my beat-up packed cracked forlornly bent wallet of ten years now. Givers of new ones get thanks and smiles, and their gifts get tossed in some drawer somewhere, while the old one stays nestled against the softest part of me.
Love the poem, John.
Lad
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Thank You Lad
There's not much to 'get' in this one, but anything there is you got. I learned late in life that none of my feelings or experiences are in fact totally unique to me. If I feel it, someone else will recognize it. No shortage of recognition of this 'attachment' sentiment. I didn't want to mention my partner specifically. Or make the play on the last word and title too obvious. Thanks as always. I've come to expect a comment from you but I never take it for granted. They are always such a treat. >W<
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