When Then They Had It Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

It isn't what it was or had been to them.
They wanted it to radiate even when ignored.
Even when left unpolished they expected it to shine.
Leaving it behind to rot and be forgotten.
But what it wasn't is wanted back by them, again.
With every part of that which was delusioned,
Intact.

Even what had been disdained with a wish to rid.
Is now romanticized as reminisced,
With a missing of it.
And this gets more unbearable.
Since whoever has it now seems thrilled.
And a knowing of this has increased a jealousy.
A heating up of an envy begins.

It isn't what it was or had been to them then!
But what it wasn't is wanted back.
With a protest and threatened attacks.
Every bit of that which was delusioned,
Intact as if it sparkled like a gem all now seek.

Gone and yet remembered,
Not for the bitter but the sweet.
Or the possibility of it being there,
Since no one bothered to care.
And not for the tastelessness no one did eat.
Or preferred to select.
It was thought to be a substitute!
And not viewed as the best one then could get.
As rumored.

It is wanted for what it could have been to them.
And what it could have been then,
Was given away to become desired and craved...
By others seen with it to admire it for what it is!
With a giving to it an appreciation that stays.

And the sight of this sickens the ones who want it back,
To inspect it closer to see what it was they missed...
With a neglecting of it as it was when then they had it,
Close enough to reject the effect of it that did not then impress.
When then they had it.
But...
Now demand it back.
To delude?
Who knows.