I bury memories in a box beneath my bed, lying them down beside old birthday cards and childhood collections, leaving them for dust to claim.
I wash unfulfilled promises and misleading expectations from my hair with shampoo scented with strawberry and hope.
I peel back the layers of my personality like posters from my bedroom wall, folding them in on themselves, making bets with myself of whether daylight will greet them again.
I put my battle-weary thoughts in the washing machine, hoping they come out brighter, pegging them to the clothesline with a careful gentleness, wondering how long the sunshine will keep them warm for.
I painstakingly climb a rope labelled ‘time’ and hope and pray it will take the pain away.
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Part 1:
About the Creator
Poppy
poetry in progress
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Center Stage with Gina C.
*** I'm keen to republish the interviews I did for my series with Vocal creators. It's been a few years and I thought it might be nice to revisit these wonderful conversations. I'll be releasing them one at a time for a few weeks/months.
By Heather Hubler5 days ago in Interview
Comments (11)
I do hope you plan to keep expanding on this series... I could see you carrying it out until it's enough to fill a book!! "I put my battle-weary thoughts in the washing machine, hoping they come out brighter, pegging them to the clothesline with a careful gentleness, wondering how long the sunshine will keep them warm for."... hit me hard, specifically the last line... too relatable for me to properly explain. Great work Poppy!
For me, it does seem to get easier, but it never quite seems to go away. I'm not sure I want it to, as I'm afraid that would mean forgetting.
Poppy every word of this spoke to me. You are truly so gifted. I would quote a line but every single one was my favorite
Your metaphors give me life. Such stunning images. Loved so many lines but the ending is my favourite. ❤️
“I put my battle-weary thoughts in the washing machine, hoping they come out brighter, pegging them to the clothesline with a careful gentleness, wondering how long the sunshine will keep them warm for. “I painstakingly climb a rope labelled ‘time’ and hope and pray it will take the pain away.” Absolutely beautiful, Poppy. That ending is everything. I am so jealous of your metaphor work. ❤️🤯
Does it take the pain away for you, Poppy?
I wash unfulfilled promises and misleading expectations from my hair with shampoo scented with strawberry and hope. THIS!!!! Gosh I wish I could do this! Your poem was so powerful!
This is simply gorgeous and I hope the climb will get easier and not stretch too high.
I love the optimistic tone of this poem and also the cheerful daffodil picture, "I put my battle-weary thoughts in the washing machine, hoping they come out brighter, pegging them to the clothesline with a careful gentleness, wondering how long the sunshine will keep them warm for." Thank you !
Brilliantly written!!! Love this!!!1💕❤️❤️
That hairwash, oh yes. This was gorgeously written, as ever.