An Empty Drawer

by Walter   Jan 19, 2021


I have an old desk, ever since I was ten
It was a present from my mum, as well as a pen
Maybe inspiration, to get me to write
Instead of watching TV, as I used to all night

It had many drawers, one with lock and key
It was made out of jarrah, and was also heavy
It sat in my room, where it didn't move
Until I left home, and I had to remove

It followed me places, where I would live
And each time more scratches, I hope it forgives
Now in my new home, looking well used and worn
I thought maybe it's time, to make it reborn

I have a few tools, and used my sander
Removing the scratches, to make it look grander
With some wood stain, and a final clear coat
Now when I look, I only can gloat

Proud that I am, and this was long due
As it stands out, and looking brand new
But now when I sit, as I used to before
It seems my inspiration, won't come anymore

It almost feels awkward, and no longer I'm keen
This desk looks expensive, untouched and pristine
And has lost all its character, each scratch I would know
But no more can I write, on a desk just for show

    report violation
4


Did You Like This Poem?

Latest Comments

  • 3 years ago

    by Milly Hayward

    Well write as always. It's such a difficult decision to throw out or update the old but you can bet your life that as soon as you've got rid of something or changed it to the point of no return is when you realise you needed it all along just the way it was. A lovely thought provoking piece xx

    • 3 years ago

      by Walter

      Thank you for your lovely comment Milly and yes, maybe we should just learn to accept things the way they are, instead of replacing or changing them. It takes years to mold something to what it is, but only seconds to destroy it. Thanks for reading xx

  • 3 years ago

    by Poet on the Piano

    This is sad indeed! I read this as the desk being a metaphor for when we wipe away all of our own imperfections, or detach ourselves completely from our past. What made us who we are is forgotten. While it can be healthy for some people to start over in their lives and move on from what they've known, however they choose to move on, for others it can take away the voice they could have gained by accepting or living with the knowledge of the past. And all that comes with it. All the scars, mistakes, blemishes. No one has a perfect, pristine past. Also, when we act like someone we're not, just for show, we neglect the opportunity to be vulnerable. We put on a front, thinking it will move us forward, when there should be more appreciation in who we are and where we're at now in our lives.

    This was well-rhymed and held a lot of meaning to me!

    • 3 years ago

      by Walter

      Thanks so very much Poet! I appreciate your detailed comment and while I actually did repair the desk I talk about, it is as you say, a metaphor of who I was then as a ten year old to who I have become now as an adult. It really made me think of all the changes we make along the way and to extremes, starting with a clean slate to become who we are today. But as you mention, simply erasing this removes the 'voice' of the past with the character built from it. And clearly, a new coat of paint will never hide this.

More Poems By Walter

People Who Liked This Also Liked