Blue Bottles
She began collecting blue bottles at an early age
when her mother took her to yard sales and flea markets.
Her collection ranged from tiny to large,
apothecary to spirits, grocery to unknown.
Gleaned from dumps behind old farmhouses,
along riverbeds, windowsills of friends and old lovers.
Dark blue, rich cobalt, turquoise, light blue, bluish green,
the litany of hues filled shelves and boxes.
Blues calmed her and captured her spirit
as if a mystical wand waved over her.
She lined bottles up in front of windows facing the morning sun.
Rays filter through the panes sweeping sparkle across the room
like the light of stained-glass windows drenching the contours of her soul.
20 thoughts on "Blue Bottles"
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Virginia, I like the picture that you have painted, “as if a mystical wand waved over her.” Also, I remember the blue bottles.
I appreciate this. And happy you have a connection to blue bottles.
This poem is magical! I especially like “the litany of hues.”
So happy the magic came through. Thank you.
How gorgeous! There is something special about those old bottles. I love the way you capture the places these bottles are (lost and) found:
“Gleaned from dumps behind old farmhouses,
along riverbeds, windowsills of friends and old lovers.”
A great poem.
Thank you for such a great comment, recognizing the lost and found of place. I appreciate your kind insight.
I collected blue bottles too! Remember the cylinders that Alka-Seltzer used to come in? I used them as vases,
Yes: I was a gay boy, though I didn’t know it at the time.
Love that you also collected blue bottles. Yes, I have had a few Alka-Seltzer bottles. Perfect vases. I still use blue bottles as vases. Thank you for your kind comment.
So the collecting is in your blood! Who needs jewels when their light filter is so spectacular!
Guilty. So true about jewels. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
I still collect blue bottles!
Love (and good sources for blue bottles); “Gleaned from dumps behind old farmhouses,/along riverbeds, windowsills of friends and old lovers.”
This makes me happy. Another blue bottle collector. Thanks for your kind insight.
I love it. You pulled me in with the very first line. Strong imagery and rhythm abound. Well-crafted poem, Virginia Lee
This is such a kind comment and much appreciated. I always appreciate hearing if the imagery in a poem works. Thank you.
I love blue bottles (even empty Noxema jars LoL), and I did have a collection many years ago. Don’t have room for collecting in my tiny apt these days. LoL But this is lovely and relateable.
And that last line is perfect! <>
Yes, Noxzema jars. I have a few with the white lids. I am happy you were able to relate to the poem, and it brought back memories of your blue bottle collection. Thank you for commenting and your encouragement on the last line.
Holy smokes, that last line is breath taking!
Thanks so much. So encouraging.
I too, have collected blue bottles.
Something magical about blue glass and poets.
I gave away all but one tiny Vicks Vapo-rub jar.
So nostalgic. And I loved those last two lines!