Selective Memory

~ Meg

Time softens all the jagged edges
The lens is hazy, out of focus
Lay the gauze across my recollections
When I remember what became of us…

Promises whispered, drunk on wine
I’d believe your whitewashed lies
And dull deceptions polish to a shine
Trace my lips with your fingers, smile

Make me slave to your obsessions
A naive girl at your mercy 
Just another trinket for your collection
Love, a lie, sweetness and agony 

Then depart without a warning
Despise myself, knowing I’d forgive you
Empty hours of constant yearning
To start again like something new

When you’d return with total assurance
That I was helpless to resist you
Confident of my acquiescence
You’d break my heart anew

And yet those days, those heady days
Of books and wine and conversation
The nights in your tender arms I’d lay
Then wake in solitude once again… 

So I choose the pieces that I want
Tiny fragments, bring me joy
And cast aside those that haunt
When I was your plaything, wicked boy

Image courtesy Indian Express

Published by Meg

Easily amused, never bored and constantly distracted. My creative pursuits include writing, drawing, painting and photography.

29 thoughts on “Selective Memory”

  1. Here’s to selective memory and celebrating the best bits from our past – the long ago recollections that can still unfurl feel-good chemicals at the speed of thought.

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    1. It’s so true. And memory is a funny thing… Sometimes, painful memories seem as keen as if the event had just happened and other times you remember almost like it happened to someone else. An imperfect defense mechanism I suppose.

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    1. I mentioned in another comment that I believe it’s the mind’s defense mechanism, although imperfect. Some memories are felt as keenly as if the event was recent. Interesting the pathways our brains use or lose. Thank you!

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  8. Love this poem Meg. I think it’s relatable for many people. The end stanza is my favourite. I like how she knows she was used and always forgave him; however, she chooses to remember only the good memories now and forget the bad. I guess enough time has passed by?

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      1. OK, I’ll quit being snarky (as I have been on your other posts tonight.) You have good insight into people and situations and I depend on you to help me navigate life. On some level you know that already, but on a conscious level you probably dismiss it. It’s true.

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