The Thing You Still Wish For
Even though it always burns you
like an ember in the fireplace
as you sweep up the ashes.
Even though the last time around
is still a bone in your throat
you can’t quite swallow.
Even though it will make you wish
you were never born
all over again.
Even though you swear on the Bible
it’s the last thing on your mind,
the very last thing.
15 thoughts on "The Thing You Still Wish For"
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Nice repetition of “even though.” A poem of the difficulties of not-letting-go-ness. Like a meditation on suffering. Sigh,
I really like the ember in the fireplace metaphor
This is wonderful, Kevin. I love the list of things that wishing brings, as if scars. And that repetition at the end, perfect.
Me too. The repetition really works and the crafting in the 3rd line of each stanza is evident and sublime.
I find myself wishing for it, but not dwelling on it for poetry overcomes or soothes me…
The repetition, as others have said.
But also the “incomplete” sentences
all leading g the reader back to the title.
**applauds**
Thanks, Josrph!
I meant this about love but I’m realizing it could be about all kinds of addictive things—food, drugs, sex, whatever. I guess the reader has to fill in that blank.
Same here. So many things apply to this thoughtful progression. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Four short stanzas catch the urgency of desire…sometimes it can be a weight to carry into old age, but if it’s gone some aspect of humanness is gone. Great poem.
Exactly, Jim.
And thanks very much
I agree with a lot of others’ comments. As first & second reading, I thought how each of us will have our own images in mind, regardless of what you had in mind. Thanks.
I really like the preacher-rhythm of this, and how the speaker is both in the pulpit and in the pew.
Preacher rhythm! I never thought of it that way but it makes sense, now that you say it… 🙂