Nostalgia's Desires
a place of my own...a place I call home
I don’t desire the place.
I don’t desire the room.
I don’t desire the candle you lit,
Or the rug in the living room.
//
I don’t desire an empty space.
I don’t desire a basement-suite.
I don’t desire my very own place,
Or a slot in a tower.
//
What I desire is more than a physical box.
What I desire can not be saved up for,
It can not be bought.
//
I desire the feeling of comfort.
I desire the feeling of peace.
I desire the nights ‘round the table,
Warm and cozy in fleece.
//
I desire the days that I’ve already lived.
I desire the cheesecake you made,
And the board games we played,
And the laughs that we shared.
//
I desire the happiness only my memories bring.
I desire the late nights spent talking
When the future was a mystery,
When all we could do was sing
//
Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday,
A savoured, special moment.
When I was the third-wheel,
But still I felt included.
//
I desire your support, your loving advice.
I desire a life that felt lighter,
A sweeter, care-free time.
//
I remember feeling sad,
I remember you did, too.
But I also felt joy,
And excitement for the new.
//
Why, now that I’m in a place
Where I’m supposed to feel safe,
Do I keep wishing back a time
That I once could not embrace?
//
Chasing a desire to bring back a feeling,
Only to realize that the desire has no real meaning.
What I want is to feel as I did in that time.
What I want is a reality that is no longer mine.
//
While I live in this moment, wishing back the past,
I know a future moment exists
Where I’m envious of this present moment
Because it flew by too fast.
About the Creator
Skylar Whitney
Introvert at heart. Lover of journaling, free-verse poetry, and poutine.
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Comments (6)
This beautiful piece of work showcases the relatable theme of longing for the past and the comfort of memories. The author masterfully captures the essence of desire, painting a picture of a protagonist who longs for the days gone by and the happiness that came with them. The poem takes us on a journey of memories and feelings, reminding us of the power that memories have over our emotions. The author's use of imagery, such as "Warm and cozy in fleece" and "Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday" transports the reader to a place of familiarity, reminding us of the special moments in our own lives. The climax of the poem, when the protagonist realizes that the desire has no real meaning, is a powerful moment that speaks to the universal truth that chasing after the past will never bring back what has been lost. The conclusion, "What I want is a reality that is no longer mine" is a poignant reminder that the present moment is all we have, and we should make the most of it. In conclusion, this is a well-crafted, introspective poem that speaks to the heart of its readers. The author has a unique ability to turn a personal experience into a universal message that resonates with everyone who reads it.
I know how you feel nostalgia can be a very deep feeling I’ve been getting it too.
Beautiful
Thank you for sharing.
Beautiful and nicely spoken.
"While I live in this moment, wishing back the past, I know a future moment exists Where I’m envious of this present moment Because it flew by too fast." Love this ending. I know the feeling of wishing for fleeting moments too well.