Final Appraisal (Pensamientos De Abuela)

by FTS Miles   Apr 16, 2015


October 9, 2010
1:17am

Her rooms are barren
(or so the appraisal shows),
photos of tile and
commodity framed
without even the barest
of her life within.
Gone is her patched
lazy boy perched
strategically before
the ubiquitous flicker
of some telenovela.
Sold are the living room comforts
with which her daughter
compared her living
in days once more glamorous.
Absconded are the
delightful soaps of
varied shapes and hues
with which she
populated her bath.
Donated are the satin sheets
that used to slide off me
during strategic chills
on eves of vacation or
simple visitation.
Gifted is the dining room table
that held so many
delectables over the years,
or propped up fichas
during our epic domino matches.
But most of all
departed is the soul
that invested those rooms,
her laugh, her smile,
her obstinacy and scowl,
her simple enjoyment of
a life now in miniature.
I read the document
because it's my duty
to give sound consideration.
But it brings no comfort
as I scan the clinical
assessments of a skilled
professional who is not
feeling his abuela slipping
away with each passing page.

    report violation
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Latest Comments

  • 9 years ago

    by Maple Tree

    Judging Comment

    This is a truly breathtaking poem, full of detailed imagery and visuals. FTS Miles has flavored this site over the years with his visual mastery and I was in awe!

    To lose a loved one is devastating and here he takes us on a journey of going through her belongings.. its such a heart wrenching and yet creative piece... very touching read this week!!

  • 9 years ago

    by GB

    Weekly contest April 27th
    Judging comment:

    Fantastic writing in every sense. The poet employed mesmerizing imagery could draw a series of nostalgic scenes, each unique, tragic, picturesque and very well penned. Using a remarkable one block structure and unusual diction this poem had that resonating effect on the mind of the reader which lasts for very long time.
    I have recognized how each thought (supposedly stanza) sounded strong and emphasising, a smart use for the passive tense which deepen the emotions and the meaning through out the piece,
    ~Gone is her patched lazy boy/ Sold are the living room comforts ..etc
    All in all, worth reading, voting and winning.

  • 9 years ago

    by -Choke-On-MY-Halo-

    Judging Comment

    I liked the title but not that it was capitalized all the way through, that I wasn't a fan of. Love how it's a mixture of Spanish and English in the title. Now for the poem itself it's more like telling you the setting and it's a rare to pull of this beautiful way of writing, where it's a setting and yet there's emotions on how it affects the person after all is said and done. Great tribute to a grandmother, I hope time gives a person the ability to miss that person but still be able to move on when needed to.

    - Moria Bella Bair -

  • 9 years ago

    by GB

    Terrific, I just wish your title was not in all caps :)

  • 9 years ago

    by GB

    Terrific, I just wish your title was not in all caps :)

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