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Jinks

As I walk down the narrow tunnel In the solitude of Purgatory, I see paper hearts lining the wall, Like childrens' cut-outs, 'quite ordinary'. Each heart has a penned name on its face. I'm jolted seeing these memories---- Names of suitors I've known in the past, Fascinating romance and reveries. Their admiration fell on deaf ears, And I left each one with a broken heart. Promises given, in truth, I lied. These loves forgotten, I sought a new start. The last pink heart, I grabbed from the wall. I recall his face and his roguish winks, And the bike he rode to Adventure's call. By Gosh, this last card has the name of Jinks. Eight years ago, in February, You jumped on your Harley and sped away. Now I shout the words I'd failed to say, "Have fun Jinks. Happy Valentine Day."

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025




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Date: 2/17/2025 8:00:00 AM
I read this again and was thinking how we sulk about our broken hearts, and we don’t remember the hearts we have broken.
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Hilda Greenhough
Date: 2/17/2025 10:33:00 AM
It's much to think about. At least, she has some excitement in her life. Or did, before Purgatory.
Date: 2/10/2025 2:25:00 PM
Your poem has a nostalgic, bittersweet quality with a touch of regret and longing. The imagery of the paper hearts lining the wall in Purgatory is striking—it immediately sets a tone of reflection, perhaps even a sense of reckoning for past romantic choices.
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Hilda Greenhough
Date: 2/10/2025 3:50:00 PM
Not really past regrets. She can hold her own on life. I'm not Catholic, but I grew up near a Catholic Church. The stories of Purgatory were frightening. Thanks for reading my Valentine
Date: 2/9/2025 10:59:00 PM
This is so unique and I interesting. It feels as if you have some remorse about Jinks!
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Hilda Greenhough
Date: 2/10/2025 2:40:00 AM
I used the pronoun, I, for effect. The story is fictional. I wanted to write something about valentines. I hope it made you smile.
Date: 2/9/2025 9:00:00 PM
Ha, ha. Definitely high jinks here, Hilda! Great write! Thanks, Gershon
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Hilda Greenhough
Date: 2/9/2025 9:39:00 PM
Thank you for commenting.
Date: 2/9/2025 4:49:00 PM
What a unique place to take us on a poem, Hilda; and I like the visit! I was hoping that finally shouting out to Jinks got you out of purgatory.
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Hilda Greenhough
Date: 2/9/2025 5:50:00 PM
I took a chance on Purgatory. I'm not even Catholic, but I've heard it's formidable. Shouting out to Jinks may have got her added time. Thanks for reading.
Date: 2/9/2025 4:45:00 PM
A captivating tale, Hilda!
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Hilda Greenhough
Date: 2/9/2025 4:51:00 PM
Thanks for reading. I wanted to do something for Valentine Day.
Date: 2/9/2025 4:21:00 PM
So many deserving hearts out there, really derelict to have satisfied just one. Or two. Or three. Oh my Purgatory! Love it.
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Hilda Greenhough
Date: 2/9/2025 4:35:00 PM
Lol. That's the question. Glad you liked my valentine.
Date: 2/8/2025 9:17:00 PM
An interesting tale of your visit to the purgatory and your meeting with (the heart of) your former lover. You regret that you couldn't give him a Valentine wish while alive. So you shout it out now. An engrossing story, dear Hilda.
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Hilda Greenhough
Date: 2/8/2025 10:08:00 PM
I'm glad you liked it. Have a Happy Valentine Day yourself.
Date: 2/8/2025 5:38:00 PM
Really interesting poem - liked the image of the paper hearts. You rhyme well. :)
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Hilda Greenhough
Date: 2/8/2025 5:43:00 PM
I thank you for your comment.
Date: 2/8/2025 9:40:00 AM
Dear Hilda, your imagery of past affections fascinated me as I read your nostalgic poem. I especially loved "the bike he rode to Adventure's call" - the freedom and eagerness is palpable, and your last stanza is a great finale to a wonderful piece. Happy Valentine's Day to you my poet friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
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Hilda Greenhough
Date: 2/8/2025 10:12:00 AM
It's so good to hear from you. I'm afraid my age shows in this poem. I'm wishing you a great weekend, and a Happy New Year.
Date: 2/7/2025 10:08:00 PM
This poem is so interesting and enjoyable, Hilda! I love the way you wove this captivating tale. All good wishes, Evelyn
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Hilda Greenhough
Date: 2/7/2025 10:20:00 PM
I'm happy you like it. With the weather warming, I look forward to inspiration. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Best wishes.
Date: 2/7/2025 9:37:00 PM
Ah dear hilda, this poem emanates nostalgia, and how one is reminded of the past memories and love shared and gone cold and more , i love how you’ve used paper hearts there and described that and also how your poem flows and how it ended , perfect also for the mood right now as its valentines day soon. You have a seamless way of weaving words and expressing and I absolutely loved reading your poem! So heart touching too. Its so good to read you after a long time. Sending you light always
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Hilda Greenhough
Date: 2/7/2025 10:16:00 PM
Thank you very much. Now I am encouraged by your words. I had wanted to write a Valentine poem since the first of January. I finely did.
Date: 2/7/2025 9:16:00 PM
Unacknowledged affections-belated acknowledgement and regret,extending Valentine's Day.Very nice.
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Hilda Greenhough
Date: 2/7/2025 10:14:00 PM
Thank you.
Date: 2/7/2025 8:26:00 PM
Oh wow this is so creative and artistically crafted, dear Hilda! I love how your words just flowed so effortlessly whilst narrating a story in such an immaculate manner. That's truly ingenious! I could see all those paper hearts lined up on the wall through your words. And that ending, beautifully written and impeccable for the theme. "Each heart has a penned name on its face. I'm jolted seeing these memories----" So many evocative lines as well... A pleasure reading this. Hope you are doing well, missed reading your work, really!!
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Hilda Greenhough
Date: 2/7/2025 8:48:00 PM
Thank you. I am well. I had been entering a state poetry contest which took some of my writing time. Best wishes to you.
Date: 2/7/2025 5:57:00 PM
Love how this ended!
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Hilda Greenhough
Date: 2/7/2025 6:27:00 PM
I do too.

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