Notes About The Poem

This poem was inspired by Pablo Neruda's Sonnet LXXXIX, from the collection of 100 love sonnets.

 

Not a Keepsake

When I leave,
don’t cling to my name like a treasure—
let it settle into the dust
where it truly belongs.

Feel the walls we built,
not to grieve
but to recall
that they once echoed with laughter,
that they kept the world outside,
and us within.

Walk the same shore,
but don’t picture my steps next to yours.
Carry me off like the last wave of the day,
making room for what’s yet to come.

What I cherished doesn’t need me,
and neither do you.
Carry only what feels light enough
to release.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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