Left on the Shelf - A Song

This is a poem I've been tweaking and working on every now and then... It never felt just right, but it was also one of those that I could never quite bring myself to chunk completely. I think because it is so close to my heart... a stage of healing. It is perhaps one of the most personal poems I've ever written, and while I'm still tweaking the execution of the music, I think it was perhaps destined to be a song.

Like my other entries into the Harmonic Verses Challenge, I've been working on adapting it to a song since long before the announcement of the challenge.

I think it still needs a good bit of work, but I do love that I was able to work a bit with my own actual voice when making this song (utilizing the Suno AI platform). It's not my actual voice... obviously. But I was able to sing a sample, and I am pleased to see that while by no means perfect, it remarkably close (in its hollow, metallic, rise up and take the world-voice), and I love that the feeling and tempo that I was hoping for came through so well.

I look forward to an improved adaptation, as well as doing this completely in my own real voice one day, but for now, this has helped the screaming in my head... or rather sobbing... to temporarily stop.

And I must say, I'm loving having numerous of my own songs to jam out to... or cry to...

So:

Left on the Shelf

Original Music by Lena Folkert

….

I’m like the Giving Tree.

Shel Silverstein’s got nothing on me.

Chew me up,

spit me out—

I’m just yesterday’s gum.

Once “mama” to many,

but no longer useful to any.

For years, I stuck around,

giving everything,

thinking I was wanted

and needed.

But then just like that...

You're gone.

And Like the bear you grew up hugging,

then placed in a box on the shelf.

I'm Forgotten and forsaken,

left on the shelf,

collecting dust.

Until the day comes,

when you need me again...

A reference,

or recommendation,

or maybe you just need

confirmation

that you're special,

important.

Then, you remember

I was always there,

With a smile

and a hug

just for you.

You come running,

come calling:

...

Hey, “mama”

I need You!.

...

My sparkle returns,

if only for a few.

I feel wanted,

and needed....

if only by you.

I'll do anything for you,

anything at all.

so i write you the letter,

and i make the call

...

I tell you you're special–

you're so special to me

and I'd do anything for you,

anything at all

to hear those five words

that mean everything:

Thanks, “mama!"

I love you!

...

I breathe it in,

and i shake off the dust.

...

I love you, too, dear child.

I love you so much

even when you break my heart in two

and as you put me back high up on the shelf,

I envy your real mom

and hope you give her more.

Than the occasional call,

the long-forgotten text.

...

And as I wave goodbye to you,

and the ache sets in,

I cant help but wonder

Is this my forever?

Is this all I am?

...

I’m chewed up, spit out

Just yesterday’s gum.

and you,

use me up,

wear me out–

until there's nothing left.

Once "mama" to so many,

but now I'm not special to any.

My heart is breaking.

Still, I'll be here waiting–

For your next call.

Cuz I'm like the Giving Tree.

Shel Silverstein’s got nothing on me.

...

I'm just the giving tree

and Shel Silverstein's got nothing on me