I read this a couple of times yesterday and have come back today because there is just something about this write that has gotten to me and...honestly I don't know why. It's not the best written poem I've read but...it's one of the most honest ones of the week so...I'm nominating it in the hope that the judges will consider it.

I think you got me when you said in the first stanza that these letters are in a box, in a container...under your bed...trying very hard to conceal them but...hey we all know that doesn't work...right.

The rest...well...you have considered burning them...haven't we all but...you still find comfort in them and..you always will...even if you finally pluck up the courage to burn them..they will still burn in your mind forever...first love always will.

Yes...this is a poem about first love but.. it wasn't your usual type..crying, abusing etc...it was actually quite mature and accepting of the fact that this person is no longer in your life...

It's nice to read some poems from you again!

Anyway, this has quite a lot going for it. I like the matter of fact tone, it helps present an honest voice. The reader can almost see the letters, under the bed, yellow in the light.

'Gone, disappeared,
without a thought,
without a goodbye,
without a forwarding address.'
^^
This came a little too close to teen angst for me. But it is interesting because you were probably a teen when these letters were written, so it is like you are revisiting your past self.

I really really like the third stanza, the wording is very crisp, the letters personified, so much is said and the rhyme at the end fits in very well and helps add to the sense of a cycle which is what the last line describes. Excellent writing here.

'But, in the end,
I cannot part with them.'
^^
I think the poem takes a turn for the worst here, to be honest. I think the poem from here to the end goes on a little too long, goes over old ground somewhat, and are too... final. I think in a way the last 3 stanzas read something like an epilogue, that the tension in the poem has been revealed. You contradict yourself sometimes too, as the letters are taken out and put back nearly too often. It isn't bad writing as such, I think rest of the poem deserves a better ending rather than one that peters out. Overall though, this poem was pretty original and interesting, with parts that are emotional also. Nice to see it posted, keep writing!

This poem starts off the New Year as my personal favorite! This is such a heartwarming poem that I do believe all men and women can relate to and be touched by in so many ways.
The author writes of the letters, where they are and how they comfort her. I love the simplistic tone of this piece and the touch of repetition is brilliant and works wonderfully in this poem. There is a message of sadness; loss of a love, but a deeper message of taking the good memories and keeping them as a positive.

This poem captivated me, truly is a beautiful poem!