The Widower Next Door

Ah, but arent memories more than belongings? Hoarding lots of bits and pieces from loved ones isn't always helpful is it? But an interestingly drawn cameo again. Rhiannon

Yes, of course, I hadnt thought about the aspect of charity shops, I think I was placing it in a poorer community, maybe of a past age, and yes, some mementos can be a help and one would expect some emotion in passing on all these items. I have known of a situation where hoards of belongings were kept, probably then unhelpfully. As I said, you always draw your cameos succinctly and thought-provokingly. regards, Rhiannon

so sad when cherished things are sold off ...very poignant piece...i have a friend who sets up estate sales for a living...he deals with this all the time...love this poem, especially the ending - alvin

Just the point I tried to make with "Marion's hairbrush". In the end, our most loved possessions are either the opportunity for a few quid, or sad rubbish in the bottom of a bin. Nicely put Tina.

Hi Tina, I have a cardigan that my mum knitted and was the last thing she wore before she died. I cannot imagine parting with it, as I can't imagine parting with her wedding ring and heart shaped locket with a picture of my mum and dad in. There are some things that are so personal, that you cannot imagine ever parting with, but then I find it hard to part with a lot of items. I'm a magpie at heart, which does annoy some people, but I can't help it. I found this poem most poingnant, but also made me wonder, what would happen to all my belongings after I've gone. Quite a sad thought really. Jenny.

Tuba? I had you down as lead French Horn ;-) x

Surely the Sousaphone? ;-) I can't spell euphonium :-)

If you can't spell it, play it!

As someone with experience of clearing my parents' house, which was literally stacked floor to ceiling in some rooms with the stuff they'd acquired, plus the contents of my grandparents' house, which they'd never bothered to sort out, this struck a chord with me. And I must admit, I have become an accomplished e-bayer, over the last few years. I don't feel bad about it, because my parents weren't sentimental, they were just lazy about sorting stuff out! But having said that, there are lots of things I can't bear to part with. My Mum's college notes, my Dad's City & Guilds certificates, etc. I know they're no use (well, the college notes are, because I've written at least one story based on them!) but it seems so disrespectful to throw them out. But aside from this little ramble, I think this is a lovely poem, and once again, it makes me want to start writing poetry myself. So thank you for sharing!

Hi Tina. The stuff of life. You put this over very matter-of-factly and without being too sentimental, and that’s what hammers the emptiness and finality of death home. They were here, now they’re gone, and this, what you see here, is what their life amounted to. Personally, I find it difficult to part with stuff when a loved one has gone. Both Debbie and I are sentimental fools and our loft is full of our parents’ stuff and memorabilia. I wish we didn’t care so much and then it wouldn’t hurt so much to part with it. But there you are. There but for the grace of God... Love you epitaph, Tina... very moving: I stand at my window, watching their father’s spirit disappear... one coin at a time. Well done on all the plaudits, your poem was simple and powerful. Trev