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C.J. Heck (August 10 / Born in Columbus OH - living in Florida)
A Box for Good Will
As a friend, I had come to help
yet one more time
and I watched as she set
the cardboard box on the floor.
It was labeled for Good Will,
penned in large block letters.
From deep in the closet,
she brought out an old blue suit.
It had faded over the years,
but I saw in her eyes
the memories still had not.
Softly, she smoothed the sleeves
that dangled flat and empty.
Then she stroked the slack trousers
on the smooth wooden hanger.
Gently, she brushed
the dust from the collar and lapel,
and then I heard her sigh.
Her resolve had melted away.
Again we talked and remembered.
We spoke of long ago,
how the sleeves encircled her
in warm secure hugs,
and the trousers had covered
lean muscular legs,
legs slightly bowed,
legs that loved to dance,
and what she missed the most
-the heart that beat below
the lapel of the old blue suit,
the heart that beat with love for her.
For over thirty years,
the suit had stood sentinel,
loyally guarding both her
and those memories,
and I watched as she carefully
replaced the suit and closed
the closet door.
Through quiet tears
she asked once more
how all of that could ever fit
in a box for Good Will.
Read poems about / on: dance, friend, heart, memory, remember
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C. J. ......
It's good to talk. It's good to remember.
And it's good to write it down.
Thank you for a moving memory.
Martin
Who doesn't have a 'Suit' hanging around somewhere? ? The tender loving touch that you portrayed just broke my heart, for there is someone I miss the same way.
Beautifully sad and heart-breaking. Linda
What a sad story. You tell it really well. Clear, haunting images.
This poem was very touching. I loved the way it flowed..beautiful...just so beautiful.
i think this applies to everything ive read so far...
you have a beautiful way of writing that obviously can get in touch with people and provoke them to think about what you are saying... which is a very difficult skill to grasp. congratulations on the amazing work... (thanks for your comment too) Lyrael.
A very sweet poem and I felt what you wrote. A very good poem. Donna
Very powerful...It truly captures the moment and teaches the lesson.
That's very touching. I didn't put 'Good Will' together as the 'agency' when I read the title. Wonder whether you knew I wouldn't...
Hello CJ,
This poem brought a lump to my throat, tears to my eyes, but also a smile to my face.
Sue.
Hi C.J.
Your piece, A Box for Good Will, brought a tear to my eyes. My father recently passed away. Your writing (I have read your other pieces as well) is very touching. I hope you will publish a book...soon.
Lare Austin