Nostalgia’s Embrace

CREATIVE– Which poem or story that we have looked at so far made an impression on you? What was the impression it made?  Can you imitate the poem or story and create your own poem or story drawing on your own personal experience.

This week I have been quite intrigued by both the clear descriptive tone of Louisa Anne Meredith, as well as the gentle reflection and longing in Henry Kendall’s “Bell-birds”. With these in mind I have tried to recreate an experience that occurs for me annually when the first days of spring triggers memories of my youth. I have tried to use literary techniques we have looked at that I found new and challenging.

“Often I sit, looking back to a childhood
Mixt with the sights and the sounds of the wildwood”
Henry Kendall

And every year without fail the blessing of springs first rays hits my face
Igniting Her familiar warmth through my every cell.
Take me back, float me along, to the days of innocence, I beg Her.
Back to the days spent looking forward to now.
Flooding in they come; drowning five senses
The brush of the first gentle breaths of warm air on supple skin,
Scented with the sweet traces of springs’ petaled jewels, whose birth disturbs sharp buffalo lawns.
And youthful me trespassing to liberate them from their fate in the mowers’ path, selfishly drinking in their syrupy perfume.
Regal velvet petals bursting from the dry winter arms of magnolia trees, framing the path I traced homebound, dragging my feet not with the weight of depression but simply for the lack of urgency adolescences graciously allows.
Branched above, more a glint of light and a rustle of feathers than any solid form, rainbow friends offer shrill salutations,
Unburdened by the responsibilities of adult life with the only mark on any moment the eager anticipation of a tomorrow, filled with seemingly exciting grownup freedoms.
She is a clever illusionist, tugging me into reminiscence.
Memories of the cold long dark days of winter erased
Or maybe never stored to begin with
Only warm, only sun, only freedom, only promise.