Home » Poems » Bj Legros Kelley » Did We Notice

Did We Notice

Emily: Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it? – every, every minute? Stage Manager: No. The saints and poets, maybe they do some... ~Quotes from the play Our Town, by Thornton Wilder~ Moments passed The cameras flashed Photographed moments, I've amassed. Now in my album pages stashed. I've the photos in a book, I see them now, A shadowed look A thousand years ago it seems, We spoke of life and future dreams Lulled by the notes of speakers blast Tunes of a present flying fast Did I see you? Did I notice? You, sinking like a precious Lotus . Always in hope, our song's refrain Throughout life's ills, you rose again Now, turning every album page deeper I look, a precious ponder, You had ever been my sage You're now past this earthly wander Flown beyond this sphere and stage Had I really noticed you, and did you notice me? The moments fled too quickly, Into eternity. Moments passed, the cameras flashed Of photographed moments, I've amassed. Now in aging albums On shelves of walnut stashed. Oh life, you are too wonderful, and earth, so beautiful. And, time, you are deceitful, dead moments, sorrowful! Years are passing quickly into long eternity. The faces near and dear to us, oh, do we really see? Each day a precious closing gift, like petals of the lotus How many smiles came our way, please tell me, did we notice?

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Anisha Dutta

Date: 3/2/2024 8:28:00 PM

Very Nice. I am charmed. Each day is a precious gift ! Yes. I admit. We should honour. Have Good Days

Joe Maverick

Date: 2/24/2024 3:24:00 PM

Well quite a profound poem B J..' I'll send you A smile btw, before we enter into; tomorrow-day.'

Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 2/23/2024 7:17:00 AM

Life is short, no matter whose "time" you are on. Share it generously! :)

Bill Baker

Date: 1/7/2024 10:15:00 PM

A deep and thought-provoking poem, BJ. It's sad to say but most of us most of the time are too busy to really notice those around us. We all need to slow down and be a part of the life we're given each day. Thanks for the reminder, my friend. Smiles ~ Blessings Bill

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 1/6/2024 6:27:00 AM

Hi Bj such a coincidence I read this poem today - we had an electricity outage between 8.00 and 10.00pm last night, we have them the all the time in South Africa, and spoke about how we would never see those two hours again and how they brought us two hours nearer to death, the lights came on and we continued our Netflix movie. Yes give a thought to older people aronud us, notice them love and talk to them, for they will be only a picture in an Album or on a Computer. Sad thought, hugs Jennifer.

Deb M

Date: 1/5/2024 5:32:00 AM

BJ what a brilliant ,brilliant poem about life and how quickly it goes by… how precious life's moments are! A wonderfully written poem of appreciation my sweet friend! Debx

Beata Agustin

Date: 1/3/2024 8:50:00 PM

Thanks for sharing this. God bless you. Meanwhile, I greet you with a Joyous New Year with this prayer from the Bible in Numbers 6:24-26, "The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 1/4/2024 8:14:00 PM

Thank you so much <3 May the Lord bless you and keep you, may He make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you as well Beata. Hugs :) Happy 2024, eyes on the skies my friend <3

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 1/2/2024 4:07:00 AM

Deep poem. Hope you have not forgotten me in my sickness. Happy New Year.

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 1/3/2024 2:22:00 PM

Thank you Victor, so much. No, I will never forget you my friend, I am so sorry I haven't been over to read your poems of late. I did send you a private message when you were sick, at least I thought I did. My family has kept me so busy, through the holidays especially. I will be over soon, I do miss you. Happy New year Victor, I hope you are happy and blessed throughout this new year ahead!

Hiya Sharma

Date: 12/15/2023 6:02:00 AM

Very evocatively expressed, oh my.. Truly a FAV for me! You've so wonderfully conveyed how these precious moments flow away in a blink and those who we hold near our hearts can really become just a memory within the fleeting essence of time..Yes, time doesn't wait for anyone and I think the greatest treasure in this life is being able to cherish every moment of fondness with our loved ones.. And in a way, living every heartbeat to the fullest! This is one of the best poem I've read today, wow

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 1/3/2024 2:19:00 PM

Thank you for your visit and comment. I felt this so deeply as I went through the photos. My parents and three/ four siblings counting my cousin John who was like a brother to me as a child have passed. Seeing those photos and hearing old music made me deeply ponder life, it all goes by so quickly. Happy New Year, I hope your days are filled with the awe that life has to offer for you and all of us :) <3

Valsa George

Date: 12/15/2023 1:38:00 AM

Life will fleet away in seconds. By the time we notice something it must have passed out of sight.... not only scenes, but people around us. By the time we wish to have deeper connections, they must have left the world to be remembered only through photographs. When we turn the pages of albums, nostalgic memories come to us. Your poem has left a haunting effect on me dear BJ. Love your poem much.

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 1/3/2024 2:15:00 PM

It's so true Valsa, and so hard to keep up with. I imagine that in eternity we will have a much greater awareness, but on earth with all the busy, Busy rushing about, it is impossible to notice it all. It is good to try to though, that is a start, and we will notice so much more. I think Thornton Wilder was an astounding playwright and genius to have captured the deep human existence and the love, life and blindness we seem to be plagued with. Nostalgia and photographs are what we end up with. I try, but still obviously can't hold onto it all! Happy New Year Valsa, sorry it took so long for me to reply back to your comment. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

Gershon Wolf

Date: 12/14/2023 5:49:00 PM

Oh, Bj, that quote from 'Our Town,' my absolute favorite American play ever. Must have taught it 15 times during my teaching stints. (Teaching is a gig now, not a career, by any means). At any rate, those lines are from one of my favorite scenes in the play -- alongside George Gibbs and Mr. Webb's totally awkward conversation the morning of George and Emily's wedding. Didn't you just love that 'advice' Mr. Webb got from HIS father? What a scream!. Anyway, thanks for posting. Keep smiling, gw

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 12/14/2023 9:58:00 PM

Lol, yes! His dad's advice to him on his wedding day “Start out early showing who’s boss" he said. "Best thing to do is to give an order, even if it don’t make sense; just so she’ll learn to obey.” Then tells George he did the opposite of his dad's advice and had a happy marriage, Lol, gosh, thank goodness! I love that play so much. I've seen it countless times and played the part of Emily Webb years ago when I was young, it was an incredible experience :)

Judy Ball

Date: 12/14/2023 5:24:00 PM

So beautifully written and well said BJ. Words to make one think and maybe change just a little bit. God Bless and Merry Christmas. JB

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 12/14/2023 10:01:00 PM

Thank you Judy :) God bless you too! Merry Christmas to you and your family, I hope you are having a sweet Holiday season :)

Heidi Sands

Date: 12/14/2023 5:12:00 PM

A very significant and impressive poem! Well written and I love the ending too. A Fave for me :)

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 12/14/2023 10:05:00 PM

Thank you Heidi, it is good to hear from you! I hope you are feeling better, my husband and I pray for you and hope so much you recover soon. Your fave is such an honor to me, thank you so much :) Hugs to you Heidi! <3

Christina Bowring

Date: 12/8/2023 3:21:00 PM

Love this beautifully written poem BJ. Such a thoughtful, reflective piece. The poem flows so well with great rhyming. A great, poignant read with a reminder to appreciate the here and now and what’s truly important in life - precious loved ones that create such memories for and with us. Blessings to you. Xx

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 12/14/2023 10:12:00 PM

Thank you Christina, for your visit and sweet comment. As I grow older, I see how quickly time is passing. Memories are precious, and the present is passing quickly, taking time to just notice is a pretty awesome gift <3

Joe Maverick

Date: 12/7/2023 10:11:00 PM

You have put much that all humans feel inyo Words B J.. And what a feat that is.! A really Strong depiction coupled with adroit diction to Reflect upon.'

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 12/14/2023 10:45:00 PM

Thank you Joe, for your visit and comment, Sometimes I think it takes a resolve to try to remember to notice, the world is so filled with distractions which really rob us of the truly important things. I'm glad you liked my poem, I hope you are doing well :)

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 12/14/2023 10:40:00 PM

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 12/6/2023 3:16:00 PM

Another gen dear Bj - it is sad when we think of friends and family that have passed close family we knew and loved and gazed upon but more extended family and friends who were more acquaintances than friends did we notice you, did you notice us? Beautiful write. Hugs and bless3HDings Jennifer

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 12/14/2023 10:36:00 PM

Thank you Jennifer, your visit and comment are precious to me. I hope that during this holiday season we remember not to get caught up in the chaos, and enjoy a peaceful season. I had started to feel truly caught up in the hectic whirlwind of expectations, falling for the same old trick, the hyperbole of traditions and holiday chaos. This is a perfect time to remember to be reflective of the true peace of God. I'm glad to have read my own poem tonight and steady my resolve to try to really notice those around me, precious loved ones. Reading your comment is such a blessing. Hugs to you Jennifer :) <3

Bill Baker

Date: 12/4/2023 9:32:00 PM

A FAV, BJ. We miss so much of life because of the fast pace of our society. We need to slow down and see through our hearts before it's too late. Thanks for sharing such meaningful words with us, my friend. Have a pleasant week! Bill

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 12/14/2023 10:25:00 PM

I am so honored by your fave Bill :) Thank you! I think, during this festive time of the year it is a great time to really try to notice our loved ones. I have been trying so hard to keep up with the holiday events that I forget my own resolve to notice. I have decided that the rest of the Christmas decor is going back into the storage shed, it has distracted from the joy of the season :) My kids and hubby agree, we don't need to do it all, we can keep it simple. Reading my own poem again makes me realize some of the holiday joys can become chaotic distractions, thieves of the truest gifts our lives have to offer. I hope that you and Sarah and your family are deeply blessed with many precious noticed moments :) God bless you!

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 11/30/2023 5:56:00 PM

Wow, wow, wow! My favourite read today. So well expressed. If I had sway this would be poem of the day.

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 12/14/2023 10:14:00 PM

Thank you Richard, your comment is such a blessing, and to know that this was a personal POTD for you is so precious! Thank you! :) <3

Ink Empress

Date: 11/28/2023 11:17:00 AM

“ tell me did we notice” ah what a line to end this profound poem with. As time goes by all we have is photographed memories and sometimes we dont even realise all that which seems to be flying by like days and faces… the way you’ve phrased your lines gives a very antique touch with so much depth, introspective as well as philosophical. This is such a brilliant moving one which made me feel like i was reading one of those poems studied in english literature. Fave . Sending you light always.

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 11/30/2023 5:13:00 PM

Your sweet comment means so much to me Ink, and your 'fave' is such an incredible honor. Your comment of kindness certainly is light, you brightened my day so much. Thank you :) <3

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 11/27/2023 3:21:00 PM

I agree with Vijay down here. This is a powerful poem. Enjoyed muchly!

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 11/30/2023 5:16:00 PM

Thank you Andrea, your visit and comment are so encouraging, thank you! Hugs to you sweet friend! :) <3

Vijay Pandit

Date: 11/27/2023 5:22:00 AM

How many smiles came our way, please tell me, did we notice? --- a powerful reminder of life passing by, the need to pause and reflect. Splendid evocation of memories, BJ.

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 11/30/2023 5:23:00 PM

Thank you Vijay. I couldn't help but think about it all as I had come across an old script from the play. It was a powerful experience to play the part of Emily. I was so young, and I tried to internalize the message, yet who can? Even we poets do 'some' but it's impossible. Going through photographs then, tons of them, and I realized, I don't even remember the day or place the photo was taken. It just really affected me. I'm glad I could convey my emotions through my poem. Hopefully, remembering to notice life, while we're living it!

Silent One

Date: 11/27/2023 2:27:00 AM

Life moves very fast, if we do not stop for a moment, we can miss it.. yes you are right, sometimes we do not notice, photographs will always bring back memories, just like music.. you poem is a nostalgic one and rhymes so well..

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 11/30/2023 5:30:00 PM

Yes, those photographs, and my old script from Our Town coupled with music of the past, wow, talk about nostalgia, oh my goodness. Almost overwhelming. Then I realized, after I was looking back and writing the poem, my kids. My husband, right here, right now. Their smiles, their presence. I don't want to ponder the past in regret of not noticing enough...and then miss the present! Life! :) Be blessed my friend. Thank you for your visit and comment.

Daniel Turner

Date: 11/27/2023 2:13:00 AM

I think Wilder was right. It's so easy to get caught up in a routine that most miss out on a lot of what life is really about. Deep write, BJ:)

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 11/30/2023 5:36:00 PM

Very true Daniel, the constrictions on time and the business of life itself and routines become the focus far too often. I looked at photographs of birthday parties I hosted and had forgotten, I was too busy doing the stuff rather than enjoying the presence of the moments. Life is a precious journey with our loved ones, I pray we notice them, stop and really look at one another as Emily had so pleaded with her mama in her visit back in time. Thank you for your visit and comment Daniel. I hope you are having a blessed week :)

Karen Jones

Date: 11/27/2023 1:31:00 AM

Insightful poem. I like how you arranged this.

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 11/30/2023 5:37:00 PM

Thank you, Karen :) I always appreciate your visits and comments so much :) <3

Tom Cunningham

Date: 11/27/2023 12:47:00 AM

Life has become so fast paced that we often don't realise we are alive. We should all take a step back sometimes and appreciate what we've got. Tom

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 11/30/2023 5:46:00 PM

That is so true Tom, sometimes it's just as if we are in automatic drive, going forward mechanically, we know the road so well, but miss out on the landmarks and beauty of the journey. I appreciate your visit and comment so much, thank you. I hope that you are having a good week :)