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Monday, August 23, 2021

hearts

in grade school
I cut out hearts
from construction paper
 
in junior high
I wrote band names
on book covers
surrounded by hearts
 
in high school
I opened my heart
in a love letter

in adulthood
I guard my heart
from players and
deceivers


                            Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

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23 comments:

  1. De JacksonAugust 23, 2021 at 6:51 PM

    I feel this, deeply. And how very sad, that we must do this.

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  2. Dwight L. RothAugust 23, 2021 at 6:56 PM

    I love your poem... your ending says it all!

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  3. ✿August 23, 2021 at 6:58 PM

    Construction paper is the best. And paste—in the jar with the stick attached to the lid. That’s the stage to stay stuck in, for sure.

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  4. LucyAugust 23, 2021 at 8:06 PM

    I feel this too. I especially remember the moments of cutting out shapes with construction paper--the feel of it, the thick sound when the scissors cut in. Brings back some good memories. :D

    I love how gradually the poem grows up along with the narrator, and I find it poignant, yet realistic how we have to guard our hearts carefully. In HS, there is the naivety with the idea of romance and love. In further adulthood, we become wiser through experience. Very beautifully penned and it's as well evocative to me.

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  5. iamthewalrusAugust 23, 2021 at 8:39 PM

    Unfortunately adult life too often teaches some very sad lessons

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  6. K.HartlessAugust 23, 2021 at 9:32 PM

    Truthful progression. Well put with limited words.

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  7. Ron. LavaletteAugust 23, 2021 at 10:32 PM

    Marching on into Old Age...what will the heart do/be then, eh?
    Fine progression, M.

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  8. Gillena CoxAugust 24, 2021 at 12:05 AM

    So many different encounters of the heart, each one a new unexpected adventure
    Arcardia, have a good week. Thanks for dropping by to read mine

    Much❤love

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  9. JennaAugust 24, 2021 at 12:42 AM

    I like the progression of stanzas, and this does bring back some memories. :)

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  10. Dr. Vandana SharmaAugust 24, 2021 at 2:25 AM

    Yes, it is better to be on guard!

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  11. IngridAugust 24, 2021 at 5:42 AM

    Ah, the seasons of the heart! I enjoyed the fun and nostalgic look back over them.

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  12. Ron RowlandAugust 24, 2021 at 6:31 AM

    It is sad our innocence is taken from us and we must resort to guarding our heart.

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  13. paeansunpluggedAugust 24, 2021 at 6:35 AM

    How I love this! It resonates deeply.

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  14. ben AlexanderAugust 24, 2021 at 7:59 AM

    Arcadia, I can relate to this, but it's so sad :(

    you really captured a slice of the human experience herein.

    Yours,
    David [ben Alexander]

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  15. Arcadia MariaAugust 24, 2021 at 8:05 AM

    Thank you everyone for your kind words.

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  16. HelenAugust 24, 2021 at 10:56 AM

    A cautionary tale ... well done!

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  17. indybevAugust 24, 2021 at 11:12 AM

    You left out the part that your heart was broken, and therefore you guard it now!

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  18. TriciaAugust 24, 2021 at 2:50 PM

    Innocence and naivety is nice while it lasts, isn't it? I think we all guard ourselves more after the punches life throws! 💗

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  19. BillAugust 24, 2021 at 3:47 PM

    I know I did those things, but I don't remember. A lovely poem until the final stanza, when the song Cold As Ice (Foreigner) started playing in my head. Those times, I do remember. Excellent poem.

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  20. Merril D. SmithAugust 25, 2021 at 11:36 AM

    A lovely poem of heart stages. I can remember the hearts and paste of grade school and the sweetness and angst of the teenage years (and seeing my daughter go through it!). Then that final stanza is just so sad.

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  21. Arcadia MariaAugust 25, 2021 at 1:15 PM

    Thanks again everyone

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  22. brudbergAugust 25, 2021 at 3:16 PM

    Life's hard lesson that our heart needs to be pretected.

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  23. MasaAugust 25, 2021 at 8:44 PM

    I adore this. I'm not sure where I expected this to take me, but I enjoyed the ride, and I very much look forward to seeing where the next stanza flows. Delightful.

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