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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Alex Avatar
July 11, 2022 at 8:35 PM
Very beautifully knitted the love. Congratulations!
May Avatar
July 11, 2022 at 5:17 PM
Wonderful write Milton, Congrats on your win
Hankins Avatar
July 11, 2022 at 7:10 PM
Thanks, Joseph. I enjoyed the opportunity of writing this poem for your contest.
Flood Avatar
July 11, 2022 at 2:19 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
Hankins Avatar
July 11, 2022 at 2:24 PM
Pure fiction, Terry, but isn't the goal of fiction writing to be entirely believable? Thanks, Terry. I would have, too. LOL
George Avatar
June 23, 2022 at 5:39 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....
Hankins Avatar
June 23, 2022 at 7:54 AM
Thanks so much, Valsa, for your thoughtful response to my poem.
Krutsinger Avatar
June 23, 2022 at 2:18 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.
Hankins Avatar
June 23, 2022 at 7:55 AM
LOL. I shall pass it on to the most deserving...yeah, thirty years or so!
Severo Avatar
June 22, 2022 at 11:20 PM
Wonderful, reminds me of my own grandparents.
Foster Avatar
June 22, 2022 at 6:21 PM
This was so sweet... a lovely read. Ann
Hankins Avatar
June 22, 2022 at 6:50 PM
Thank you so much, Ann. I appreciate your thoughts.
Mchattie Avatar
June 22, 2022 at 2:11 PM
It's nice to have a keepsake of those who have passed. Lovely write my friend. Have a great day.
Hankins Avatar
June 22, 2022 at 2:29 PM
Thanks, David. Indeed, it is. You, too.
Proxenos Avatar
June 22, 2022 at 1:59 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
Hankins Avatar
June 22, 2022 at 2:29 PM
Thank you so very much, Jennifer. Yes, I am. Hugs to you.
Cunningham Avatar
June 22, 2022 at 1:42 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
Hankins Avatar
June 22, 2022 at 1:57 PM
Thanks so much, Tom. Yes, they do. And it is so good to see them stay in the family.
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