The Old Armchair
21 February, 2007
Author: Capricorn
My mood mirrors the grey sky
as I turn the front door key,
relieved to shelter from the deluge.
All rooms look abandoned --
except Mam’s front room
It’s dated appearance
has an understated grandeur.
Gold velour drapes the window bay;
the sill is swamped with keepsakes.
A sheepskin rug, centre floor
hugs my feet into it’s deep pile.
Guests were once ushered in here
for cups of tea and cakes.
I still hear their chatter
warmed by laughter, until
the alien scrambled her mind
and visitors dwindled.
I doubt she’ll have any callers
at the nursing home.
I sift though drawers and shelves
-- supervise the gathering
of hospital equipment.
Two armchairs now stand alone,
the sofa has long been carried
into the garage, making space
for a downstairs bed.
Feeling jaded,
I sit on the faded chair
of dappled velvet,
my mind sauntering
back through the years.
The room nudges me with reminiscences …
… courting days,
smooching on the sofa
breathless with love ...
…waiting here, with Dad
for my wedding car --
nerves gnawing me inside …
… cushioned on this chair
I nursed my baby boys
inhaling their honeyed fragrance …
… when over-feasted,
on Boxing Days,
we piled in here, drinking up
the cosy atmosphere.
Stroking familiar arms
for a final time,
the past wraps around me
so tears tumble
like the showers outside.
I sense a rush of warmth
-- a celestial embrace.
‘It’s only a chair, love’
‘I know, Dad --
a chair full of memories’
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Comments on this poem/writing:
| Catyrose (128.123.85.206) -- Wednesday, February 21 2007, 04:14 am This is such a beautiful, though sad write. My mom went into a home awhile back. You expressed the way our family felt as we went through her belongings. I'd like to share this poem with my sister if you don't mind. |
| Capricorn (82.46.181.105) -- Wednesday, February 21 2007, 10:29 am Thank you Caty -- it would be my pleasure if you shared this with your sister.It is a daunting task going through a parents belongings as it brings back so many memories. |
| Robert (69.236.137.91) -- Thursday, February 22 2007, 09:50 pm Quite a trip you've taken us down memory lane. Makes one stop and reflect... Thanks. |
| Capricorn (82.46.181.105) -- Friday, February 23 2007, 01:15 am Yes -- clearing out my mum's house brought back all kinds of memories, since we moved there when I was 12yrs old. |
| shiloh (66.24.112.118) -- Monday, December 17 2007, 07:13 am and i hope you kept that chair. |
| Bipedalguy (75.67.182.104) -- Monday, December 17 2007, 02:40 pm when I had the same experience, and the emotions involved were probably much the same. I felt a strong sense of so many things having become a part of the past. This is a beautiful write. Bipe |
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