Ann Peck Poet Quintain (English)

Notes About The Poem

written January 30, 2025

For the poetry contest, Dusty Box of Memories

by Constance la France

Edited April 29, 2025

Dusty Box of Memories

"Memory is a treasure, once lost may never again be found" by poet

As I clean my closet for the last time,
each dress, each coat, I handle tenderly
they remind of a life that once was mine
when choosing tomatoes came easily
and, taking a walk, I did leisurely

At the back of the closet, there's a box
I had forgotten, marked: "Save, used seldom"
It's a box of laughter and silly socks,
a half-full bottle of Satin Skin Balm,
a crayoned heart saying, "I love you mom"

Brushing away tears, I look more instead
Midst the pom-poms, I find a dolly's shoe
"My dollys don't talk to me now," she said
Just like that, childhood disappeared, I knew
I am saddened by how quickly time flew

I will begin my new life tomorrow
On this box of memories, I'll depend
It has my heart and I'll often borrow
my children's left-over moments and spend
days with their sweet faces, as I pretend

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Paula Goldsmith February 13, 2025 at 11:22 AM Back with Congratulations on your win. I enjoyed reading your wonderful write/story again. Great Quote.... You are right, living in the past a lot, probably not a good thing. It is great to have great memories but not if they are taking one over. Have a blessed day with your win as you write away..................

Anne E Sangster - K February 9, 2025 at 4:17 PM Hi Ann, I think many of us relate to your poem. Especially those of us in our senior years. I enjoyed reading your dusty box of memories. I love looking through old family photos. Hugs and smiles ~ Anne :-) Ann Peck February 9, 2025 at 5:40 PM Oh, I love to do that, too. And I like to hear stories of the old days. Time has just gone too fast! Everything seems fast these days--but me :) Take care and lots of hugs to you!

Ann Peck February 8, 2025 at 1:03 PM Hi Gary and thanks! I do dwell often in the past. It had its own problems that we can easily erase with poetry, and that makes us lucky. It just went so quickly. I want it back, and slower! :) Thanks for your comments. I love your wonderful poetry. You make the past even better.

Gary Radice February 6, 2025 at 4:36 AM Hi Ann. I notice that you mentioned in your comments to Paula that you live in the past. I have to tell you that the past often writes my poems. Certainly the long hot summers of childhood do anyway. :) This is a very poignant piece. Life eh? A prize that is given only to be taken away. Loved it. Cheers - Gary

Andrea Dietrich February 5, 2025 at 1:31 PM you did so well and you picked a perfect form to do this in. I ought to try quintain too. Great job Ann Peck February 8, 2025 at 1:08 PM Thanks so much, Andrea. I just love English quintain. I think the two rhyming last lines add strength. But, I use it too often and need to use others. :)

Paula Goldsmith February 1, 2025 at 9:31 AM I enjoyed reading your wonderful write/story with a great quote. Good memories are the best kind to have. "Good Luck" You both did this one. Have a great weekend............. Ann Peck February 1, 2025 at 10:11 AM Dear Paula, You're so nice to read my poems and leave a comment. I seem to live in the past a lot, probably not a good thing. :) Thanks so much for your kind thoughts. Have a great day!

Deb M January 31, 2025 at 4:55 PM Oh Ann….what an incredibly touching and relatable poem my friend. As we age it all changes and we miss those wonderful times of our children when young and times past. I really felt your words Ann! Written beautifully from your heart….Debx Ann Peck February 1, 2025 at 10:05 AM Hi, Deb! It's funny: Constance said to be emotional and make her cry, and I ended up crying when I wrote it. :) I have 3 sons but no daughter. I always wanted one. I did find a crayoned heart, tho. I think you and I think a lot alike. and I thank you for your wonderful thoughts.--Ann