The Box

I keep a box of memories
it’s safely tucked away
but now and then and then again 
I bring it out to play

a marble here a matchbook there
and pictures one or two
of things I’ve done and wars I’ve won
and yes there's one of you

my father’s broken pocket watch
my mother’s broken dreams 
my sons first tooth, a letter home
and empty space it seems

oh yes sweetheart I see them now 
the feathers gold and blue
I marked them with the day and date 
of nineteen ninety two

and here's the twigs I kept for you 
from your father's nest
and tufts of down to comfort you 
from your mother's breast

and yes sweetheart I understand
I dearly love you too
and if I could I’d spread my wings
and fly away with you
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

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Gauthier Avatar
January 25, 2021 at 6:43 PM
The unanswered 'why' leaves the reader dangling in suspense... just as intended. We're all entitled to our secrets ~ Lovely to find this gem published in the 2020 PS Anthology. A FAVE for me ~
A   Avatar
April 8, 2016 at 3:12 AM
Mike Bross, you've expressed yourself well, I enjoyed your poem. ~LINDA~
A  Avatar
August 23, 2015 at 11:57 PM
Mike, I enjoyed reading your poem. Luv ~SKAT~
Burris Avatar
July 4, 2009 at 8:31 PM
Nice poem Mike.
Moreno Avatar
May 3, 2009 at 11:54 AM
Mike, my belated congrats in making the semi finals...Raul
Mason Avatar
April 26, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Beautiful writing here, Mike and a well-deserved selection to be a "first round survivor" ... smile ... good luck to you in the contest!!
White Avatar
April 14, 2009 at 3:03 AM
Dude, this is incredibly good. I am rarely moved by other's poetry, but this almost brought tears to my eyes. Please keep writing, your talent is huge. ***Danielle*** (Going into my favorites)
Brown Avatar
April 10, 2009 at 4:13 AM
Congratulations on your poetry making it in the semi finals. Wishing you the best of luck in the finals Mike. Love, Carol
Richards Avatar
December 14, 2008 at 11:35 AM
I love this, so sentimental and sweet memories! Well deserved to be a featured work this week! ~Congratulations~ Carrie
Austin Avatar
December 11, 2008 at 5:29 AM
Congrats on this selection, Mike. Maybe Christmas time is the time for scrap books and opening musty old boxes. I just finished. It's always fun, always emotional. Good write. Love, daver
Aubrey Avatar
December 11, 2008 at 3:04 AM
Dear Mike I love your poem, it really deserves to be featured. You put feelings to pen with your heart. Love, Bridget
Winter Avatar
December 9, 2008 at 5:44 PM
Congrats on your featured write! Happy holidays! Love, Shar
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
December 8, 2008 at 7:54 PM
Congrats Mike on the featuring of your poem "The Box." Vince
George   Avatar
December 8, 2008 at 1:09 PM
ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!!!!! - Mike. lainie
Heck Avatar
December 7, 2008 at 5:11 PM
Mike - Congratulations on your featured poem this week! Wishing you and yours a Happy Holiday season. Peace always, John
Pig Knuckles Avatar
December 7, 2008 at 4:27 PM
Mike, what an amazing poem of reflection of past things to keep them all alive. I applaud you for a job well done as I now must say Congratulations for being featured here. Wonderful Poem... MPK
Richards Avatar
December 7, 2008 at 3:18 PM
I love this very much, a perfectly sweet poem. congratulations on this one being featured this week! ``~ Carrie
 Avatar
December 7, 2008 at 2:27 PM
The emotion comes through your words. I like the creative view. Congratulations on having your poem featured. Enjoyed it. Karen
Burton Avatar
September 1, 2008 at 8:45 PM
deep poem. welcome to poetry soup I look forward to reading more of your poetry.
Bellefleur Avatar
September 1, 2008 at 4:24 PM
nice! very thought provoking of things from our past and friends and lovers we have lost...
Hwilka Avatar
September 1, 2008 at 1:12 AM
Well written, I liked it a lot. Tony
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