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Featured Poem: I Want The World I Used To Know

NLAPWby NLAPW

By Jane Gates Lies
Pensacola Branch, Pensacola

 

I want the world

I used to know

The one that

Was only mine,

 

Of comfort,

Of queens,

Of dolls,

And pearls,

Of food,

And splendid wine.

 

So far away,

The horizon

Is

Of people,

Places,

And

Things,

 

White gloves,

Pink dresses,

Sweet kisses,

What a lovely time

It was.

 

Kindness

Was an absolute.

Judgment was

A word unknown,

A helping hand

Was always there

To anyone alone.

 

I want the world

I used to know

A long

Time ago.

 

 

11 comments

  1. Claire Massesy says:

    I keep returning to the line, “Kindness was an absolute”–it does seem, at times, there was an expiration date on the practice of kindness. Imagine what could be accomplished if we returned to the golden rule!

    Claire Massey
    NLAPW Poetry Editor

  2. Virginia Ngard says:

    I agree … some of our simplest joys seem to have drifted from society like wisps of smoke on a breezy day.

  3. Elizabeth MacQueen says:

    Beautiful
    Dreams are dreams are dreams of yesteryear.
    Yes, it is so complicated in 2023, globally.
    Once again trying to make an International flight to Japan and Italy.
    I gave up after an hour and opened a bottle of French champagne I was saving for guests today. 🤦🏼‍♀️.
    Elizabeth

  5. Karla wright says:

    I love this poem. It says a lot about our world and how we need it back. The words are beautifully written.
    I hope a lot of people will enjoy this as much as I do.

  7. Mara Viksnins says:

    Love your Poem, Jane! The time you describe will never truly return but it is in our power to step away from what is ugly and create our own beauty and reality. Kindness , love and good food and wine and pink dresses can be part of our lives again but we must work at it and learn to create them for ourselves those we love.
    With my very best wishes to you!
    Mara

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