The Broken Locket

A small cameo rests inside a velvet-lined chest Its latch broken, there’s a faded picture inside, A thumbnail-sized sketch of her handsome best Has rested inside it since Great-Grandpa died. Her cameo’s been treasured through the years Passed through generations with loving care, Which once was handled through flowing tears Now is a shrine, revered with a lock of her hair. Once it hung on a silver chain around her neck, We occasionally saw her gently fondle it there As she spoke of her lover, she gave it a peck, Placing the lock of her braid with a loving flair. Grandpa gave it to her on their wedding day An extra special reminder of their marital bliss It was something special, a family heirloom Occasionally, I saw my mother give it a kiss. The broken locket, a gift from a loving groom, Merits a special honored place in my bedroom. [The Broken Locket]
FOURTH PLACE WINNER Written June 22, 2022 Submitted to “One of Five” Poetry Contest Sponsored by Joseph May
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022


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Date: 7/11/2022 8:35:00 PM
Very beautifully knitted the love. Congratulations!
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Date: 7/11/2022 5:17:00 PM
Wonderful write Milton, Congrats on your win
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/11/2022 7:10:00 PM
Thanks, Joseph. I enjoyed the opportunity of writing this poem for your contest.
Date: 7/11/2022 2:19:00 PM
I have no idea whether this was a true recount, Milt, but it sure felt like it was. Congrats on your win (which, with all due respect to the sponsor, I would have placed higher). Terry
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/11/2022 2:24:00 PM
Pure fiction, Terry, but isn't the goal of fiction writing to be entirely believable? Thanks, Terry. I would have, too. LOL
Date: 6/23/2022 5:39:00 AM
This family heirloom has been handed down through generations and now you are fortunate to be custodian of it ! Each time you look on it, you can reminisce the life of your grannies...a reminder of their long standing commitment and marital bliss. Beautifully penned....
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/23/2022 7:54:00 AM
Thanks so much, Valsa, for your thoughtful response to my poem.
Date: 6/23/2022 2:18:00 AM
"Now is a shrine, revered with a lock of her hair." I am so glad you have the story and the locket! You will have to speciify who gets it in thirty years.
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/23/2022 7:55:00 AM
LOL. I shall pass it on to the most deserving...yeah, thirty years or so!
Date: 6/22/2022 11:20:00 PM
Wonderful, reminds me of my own grandparents.
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Date: 6/22/2022 6:21:00 PM
This was so sweet... a lovely read. Ann
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/22/2022 6:50:00 PM
Thank you so much, Ann. I appreciate your thoughts.
Date: 6/22/2022 2:11:00 PM
It's nice to have a keepsake of those who have passed. Lovely write my friend. Have a great day.
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/22/2022 2:29:00 PM
Thanks, David. Indeed, it is. You, too.
Date: 6/22/2022 1:59:00 PM
A beautiful love story spanning generations, i have a newspaper cutting of my mother and fathers wedding in a box somewhere in one of our drawers in our bedroom also. Very precious. Hope you are getting stronger daily. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/22/2022 2:29:00 PM
Thank you so very much, Jennifer. Yes, I am. Hugs to you.
Date: 6/22/2022 1:42:00 PM
Those family heirlooms bring back happy memories of a loved one who has gone to her rest. Good luck in the contest Milton. Tom
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/22/2022 1:57:00 PM
Thanks so much, Tom. Yes, they do. And it is so good to see them stay in the family.
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