What We Leave Behind

I think of those I knew who’ve passed
And what they’ve left behind,
Impressions that remain engraved
In caverns of my mind.

Perhaps just an expression
Or some laughter we once shared
Or a reaching-out connection
Where our truest selves were bared.

I conjure up some habits
That endeared or else annoyed
Which, for reasons I don’t know,
Have yet to vanish in the void.

We write our wills, bequeathing
What we treasure to our kin,
But the best of us we leave behind
Is what resides within.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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12
Gifford Avatar
August 5, 2024 at 3:26 PM
This is really a beautiful poem, Ilene. So much truth and wisdom wrapped up in it. Well deserved POTD, Congratulations. Wishing you a wonderful new week ahead.
Slaughter Avatar
May 29, 2023 at 9:57 AM
I seem to have missed this one, as well, Ilene. Mea culpa. An excellent choice for POTD...or any other D for that matter.
Kaufman Avatar
May 23, 2023 at 1:23 PM
belated congratulation on this potd. It's so well written Ilene and rings of truth.
Krutsinger Avatar
May 20, 2023 at 12:38 AM
Congratulations on POTD - it is such a great poem my friend!
Rodrigues Avatar
May 15, 2023 at 8:45 AM
Truly, we leave behind a piece of ourselves. Congratulations on POTD, Ilene!
Nicole Avatar
May 13, 2023 at 7:59 PM
Dear Ilene, "the best of us we leave behind, is what resides within." I completely agree. This is beautiful and tender, all at the same time. Congratulations on Poem of the Day. My best to you. Hugs, Brandy
Wolf Avatar
May 13, 2023 at 7:46 PM
Excellent penning, Ilene. So true! Congrats on POTD! :) gw
Anaya Avatar
May 13, 2023 at 3:58 PM
Congratulations on POTD Ilene! A flat-out most lovely requiem, eternal remnants of what remains behind, your thoughts on an all-inclusive legacy of ourselves. Happy Mother's Day!
Sangster - K Avatar
May 13, 2023 at 3:54 PM
A truly enjoyable read and a well deserved POTD. Congratulations :-)
Elless Avatar
May 13, 2023 at 1:05 PM
Ilene, fabulous poem. I love the theme. Written. With wisdom. Congratulations On Your POTD. Stay Creative.
Andresen Avatar
May 13, 2023 at 12:07 PM
- Congratulations on your p.o.t.d., Ilene :) - hugs
Flood Avatar
May 13, 2023 at 12:03 PM
Lovely poem, Ilene and deserving of POTD. It’s not really in the same spirit (and I might have said it before) but there was a shop nearby that had a sign in the window which read, “They say you can’t take it with you… so spend it here and I’ll take it with me,” ;-)
Slaughter Avatar
May 13, 2023 at 10:58 AM
Absolutely beautiful, Ilene. Excellent choice for POTD...or for any other day.
Calasibetta Avatar
May 13, 2023 at 9:47 AM
A stunning piece! Congratulations on your POTD! It certainly touches the spaces of our humanity. Great Write! Paulette
Romios Avatar
May 13, 2023 at 9:13 AM
Congratulations! Great news. -Pangie
Baker Avatar
May 13, 2023 at 7:59 AM
Congratulations on your POTD, Ilene. A very well-written and sincere poem. I agree with your thoughts on what we leave behind. A poet friend in Texas, Bill
La France Avatar
May 13, 2023 at 7:29 AM
Ilene, such a beautifully penned and emotional poem, I can relate to it very much and congratulations on receiving the POEM OF THE DAY honor, a FAV for m also !
Doll Avatar
May 13, 2023 at 7:21 AM
Wonderful poem- Congratulations on POTD.-Well deserved.~Warrem
Ray Choudhury Avatar
May 13, 2023 at 7:07 AM
Congratulations, Dear Ilene, on your POTD honour. Your reflections are so true, and so very special - the last line beautifully sums up everything. Happy Mother's Day!
Y. Avatar
May 13, 2023 at 6:21 AM
Hi Ilene, What a well-written reflective write. Your last line resonated with me so well. Congratulations on getting the poem of the day;-) Alexis
Lawrence Avatar
May 13, 2023 at 6:04 AM
Love love this Ilene ! That last line rings so very true . Big hugs and congratulations on your POTD ! Susan :)
Kavanagh  Avatar
May 13, 2023 at 6:00 AM
Congratulations Ilene on a wonderfully pragmatic and philosophical POTD, cheers David
Kitchin Avatar
May 13, 2023 at 5:58 AM
Ilene, a wonderful poem, congratulations on POTD!
Fowler Avatar
May 13, 2023 at 5:45 AM
A lovely sentiment Ilene. Congratulations on POTD! :)
Turner Avatar
May 13, 2023 at 5:02 AM
Congratulations Ilene on POTD:) You already know I like the poem. Have a wonderful Mother's Day weekend:)
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