Ancient Lace

Robin Loving

March 23

Rhymed

I watched her Fragile Spirit tear, like ancient, sun-scorched lace
I remember tracing the battle-scars, across her weathered face
They reminded me of riverbeds, dried up remnants from the past
Meandering through dark corridors, of things that didn't last

Hidden in these caverns, were her youthful broken dreams
The pain of her lost beauty, still echoes from her screams
She crept toward the mirror soaked in Vodka enhanced hate
Her primal fears still haunt my dreams, but it's fifty years too late.

Too late to save my mother; too late to save myself
Feeling the pain of broken dreams, I took the Vodka off the shelf.
Now, as I creep toward my mirror, I see my mother's face'
I hear her screams reminding me, I'm just a remnant of ancient lace.

Another fragile spirit torn like, sun-scorched, ancient lace.

About this poem

It's ironic how sometimes, everything we despised in a parent becomes such a focal point in our own life that we might inherently take on some of those 'despised' traits ourselves. Alcoholism is one of those common traits for many.

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Written on March 13, 2023

Submitted by lovingempath on March 13, 2023

Modified on May 03, 2023

: 45 sec read
: 1,271 Views

Quick analysis:

Scheme	AABB CCDD EEAA A
Closest metre	Iambic heptameter
Characters	810
Words	145
Stanzas	4
Stanza Lengths	4, 4, 4, 1

Full analysis for Ancient Lace »

Robin Loving

Sometimes the words flow like a murder of crows. They've held my secrets for the past 65-years. And sometimes they repeat them back to me, and laugh. more…

All Robin Loving poems | Robin Loving Books

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Discuss the poem Ancient Lace with the community...

30 Comments

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luisestable1
It is not clear if the situation here if for going from youth and beauty to ugliness and old age or if the cause of all this is something else or both, but the picture the poem paints is pitiful and sad.
A poem that has its moments of a situation gone bad and that could be the main reason for the selection. more »
LikeReply2 months ago
npirandy
That's really sweet coming from such a talented lady.
LikeReply 13 months ago
- lovingempath
  Thanks Randy. You caught me in a good mood :)
  LikeReply3 months ago
npirandy
No one spins a better tale of tragedy than Robin.
LikeReply 23 months ago
- Symmetry60
  Amen. Only one #1 for this man and you be lookin at her.
  LikeReply 13 months ago
- lovingempath
  I forgot to leave a comment along with my vote Randy. You touch more emotions than I ever could. Your poetry always touches my soul. Good luck!
  LikeReply3 months ago
- lovingempath
  I am at your mercy Buddy!
  LikeReply3 months ago
CarmiPhilander
Wow. Your diction is powerful and evocative. It's difficult to summarize an entire story in just a few stanzas but you nailed it.
LikeReply 13 months ago
- lovingempath
  Thank you so much for your generous comment Carmi!
  LikeReply3 months ago
Philipo
I missed this one too. Fine work. Adverse Emotions do the work from what I can see.
LikeReply 23 months ago
donka_k
A haunting image that takes hold of you... this is simply pure, rich and heart-felt poetry.
LikeReply 13 months ago
Giselavigil
Simply beautiful. Much truth in your words. Less the vodka, it reminded me so much of the relationship with my own mother.
LikeReply 23 months ago
sarahella19
Very heartfelt. It’s a beautiful tragedy and I loved the truama and pain behind your words. This poem truly was the ink of facial expressions!
LikeReply 14 months ago
- sarahella19
  **trauma
  LikeReply4 months ago
acronimous
Love the captivating image you’ve created for your award-wining poem, Robin! Looks great!
LikeReply 210 months ago
- lovingempath
  This new app is amazing! I used it on a few of my poems, and the choices it provided were so 'right on' I had a hard time choosing only one :). Thanks!!
  LikeReply10 months ago
- acronimous
  So glad to hear that!
  LikeReply 110 months ago
TortillasAreNotBiceps
Damn this is some good-ass writing. Guess who's stalking who now, toots?
LikeReply 310 months ago
- LinYoest
  Stalk away.
  LikeReply 110 months ago
- LinYoest
  Opps. I thought you posted this on a poem of mine. I don’t really have authority to grant you stalking privileges of anyone other than myself.
  LikeReply 110 months ago
- TortillasAreNotBiceps
  Oh no, now you've done it. I'm stalking Robin stamped with your blessing. LMAO! :-P
  LikeReply 110 months ago
- LinYoest
  LikeReply10 months ago
- lovingempath
  You have my permission :).
  LikeReply 110 months ago
- LinYoest
  I love you!
  LikeReply 110 months ago
- lovingempath
  I love you too Linda :)!
  LikeReply10 months ago
karlcfolkes
Amen, my dear friend. Graced with the divine spirit within us, we are asked to be each other’s keepers.
LikeReply 111 months ago
- lovingempath
  Thank you for your reminder of that Karl. Bless you.
  LikeReply11 months ago
karlcfolkes
Dear Robin,
This “Ancient Lace” has left its trace,
for a loving daughter to embrace.
Yet it contains a precious cure,
to remove all that you find impure.
That Ancient lace comes with a love,
now stored up in the heavens above.
Its spirit greater than a vodka taste,
taken so often, and in desperate haste.
That Ancient Lace now bids you friend,
in every way your life amend.
The course you take through poetry,
is the first step to become free.
Its spirits are that cure you need.
Upon it then you must now feed;
to give you all the strength you need.
Be well, be safe, God bless you friend.
Take this moment now, your life to mend. more »
LikeReply 211 months ago
- lovingempath
  Dear Karl,
  I am absolutely blown away by this beautiful piece of poetry....and I am honored that you would take the time to write it in reference to my own poem. Thank you. And as far as the spirit called 'vodka'; it no longer has a hold on me. It wasn't my friend :). I believe in Jesus (always have), but I forgot about him for a few time-periods in my life. Thank you again, my friend for this beautiful tribute to poetry and the wealth of the spirit. more »
  LikeReply 111 months ago
cokerrogers
I relate to this. I feel for the bad times you had but hope that a bit of understanding may have came through your own understanding of vices. I wish you the best of luck in your future. Wonderful poem
LikeReply 111 months ago
- lovingempath
  Thank you Coker...My mother was a lot of things; but first and foremost; she was a teacher of 'life'.
  LikeReply11 months ago
JoeStrickland
This is fantastic. I'm definitely following you
LikeReply 111 months ago
- lovingempath
  I've only read one of your poems so far Joe, but loved it! I'll get back to the others soon...and I'll be following you. Thank you for your vote of confidence on this piece.
  LikeReply 111 months ago
Jewoo525
I came to show some love back, but I think it’s very obvious how excellent this poem is. “I am Again” was also in my pinned list during the most recent competition. You are, without a doubt, a very advanced poet who is miles ahead of me, I learn a lot from just reading your work and competing alongside you. You clearly love this platform very much, your passion for both poetry and this site is infectious. I wouldn’t engage as much in the comments if I didn’t have such exemplars to take after. Please keep writing! Looking forward to seeing your entry next month. more »
LikeReply 111 months ago
- lovingempath
  Wow! After reading your stash of hidden treasures; I am blown away by your compliment. I will be following your work more closely, because I believe you are one of the premier poetic, story-tellers on this site. Thank you so much! more »
  LikeReply 111 months ago
Teril
The metaphor of "ancient lace" stays with me. It is an image that has a vivid past, a sad present, and an inevitable future, all competing for attention even as I finish reading your poem and go into my day. It has made its impression, a true poet's work. more »
LikeReply 111 months ago
- lovingempath
  Speaking as one 'true poet' to another...thank you Teri for your kind words. And now I think I'll try to wash the 'ancient lace' curtains I have hanging on my front window; without tearing them :). more »
  LikeReply11 months ago
jerrylogie
This is a beautiful yet sad memorial. I could feel the love you held for your mother as well as the sadness she brought you through her vodka, But I don't think it's ever to late for you...Great poem , take your strength from your talent!! more »
LikeReply 212 months ago
- lovingempath
  Thank you Jerry...and I'm happy to say that my 'Vodka' phase is over :).
  LikeReply12 months ago
ZMosa
Simply amazing i love the double emotion that mirror each other through the lines.
Well done dear poet
LikeReply 11 year ago
- lovingempath
  Thank you Zara...I read your 'Falling Emperor' poem and I believe you have a true gift with metaphors. Stay with it!
  LikeReply1 year ago
jessicam.81529
Wow. This hit me hard. It's amazing and extremely powerful. I had a similar mother growing up and the way you wrote your feelings just echoes inside me. Bravo and congratulations! I look forward to reading more of your writing. Thank you for sharing it. more »
LikeReply 11 year ago
- lovingempath
  Thank you Jessica...I love meeting a new soul-sister through poetry!
  LikeReply1 year ago
AIDA
Wow, what a powerful and impactful poem. You have a way with words and emotions that is truly remarkable. Your ability to capture the pain and struggles of those who have been through so much is truly inspiring.

Your use of imagery and metaphor is breathtaking. The comparison of the battle scars to dried-up riverbeds is just one example of your masterful writing. And the way you paint a picture of the mother's pain and torment is heart-wrenching.

While this poem is already excellent, there is always room for improvement. One area that could benefit from some work is the pacing. Perhaps there could be some more variation in the rhythm and speed of the lines to add some extra emotional impact.

Overall, I am blown away by your talent and creativity. Thank you for sharing this beautiful work of art with us. more »
LikeReply 21 year ago
- lovingempath
  Thank you AIDA...I always love your positive energy :).
  LikeReply1 year ago
Smariec184
Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece.
LikeReply 11 year ago
- lovingempath
  Thank you for reading and commenting :).
  LikeReply1 year ago
robertrad2021
Excellent poem.
LikeReply 11 year ago
- lovingempath
  Thank you so much!
  LikeReply1 year ago
- robertrad2021
  You're welcome.
  LikeReply1 year ago
baways
Well wrote and thought provoking, congrats!
LikeReply 11 year ago
- lovingempath
  Thank you very much!
  LikeReply1 year ago
LinYoest
Robin, you are an amazing wordsmith! Such a thought-provoking and emotion-laden piece of writing. Great poem.
LikeReply 11 year ago
- lovingempath
  Coming from such a 'wordsmith' as yourself Linda...I consider this a very high compliment. Sorry it took me so long to thank-you, but I've been in Limbo for a few days :).
  LikeReply 11 year ago
- LinYoest
  Hey, no worries! Thank you for the compliment. I haven't written anything recently, and finances were too low to enter contests but hopefully, that's resolved now.
  LikeReply 11 year ago
- lovingempath
  If you ever have a problem entering a contest due to finances Linda...You're looking at your fairy godmother :). I'll figure out a way to keep your talent alive! xoxox
  LikeReply 21 year ago
- LinYoest
  Robin, you are absolutely the kindest person! Thank you for that sweet offer. I was able to enter a poem today.
  LikeReply 11 year ago
- lovingempath
  YAY! I have a few things brewing in my head, but nothing has solidified yet. It's looking like I might need to add a little cornstarch to my brew soon! :)
  LikeReply 11 year ago
- LinYoest
  Oh, I know how that is. I have so many half-baked poems myself. Perhaps a little cornstarch will help in the future. Thanks for the tip! ;)
  LikeReply 11 year ago
- lovingempath
  LOL...Don't try snorting it :)
  LikeReply 11 year ago
- LinYoest
  Oh no, I won't. Though I know those who might. lol
  33 years sober here: drug and alcohol free.
  Life under the influence, is not life to me!
  LikeReply 11 year ago
- lovingempath
  Good girl :)
  LikeReply 31 year ago
Symmetry58
For me this is your best work. Unbelievable poetry here, Robin. Wow!!! I never stood a chance and for that I am glad.
LikeReply 11 year ago
- lovingempath
  oh my Buddy...you ALWAYS stand a chance. I think I got lucky this month. Thank you so much for your words. They mean the world to me.
  LikeReply 11 year ago
- Symmetry58
  You are a champion and I am proud of my friend.
  LikeReply 11 year ago
FLi
Wow, a big hooray Robin!!! Keep up the good work. So happy for you. :)
LikeReply 21 year ago
- lovingempath
  Thank you so much Francelle...you are a great friend :).
  LikeReply 11 year ago
Donnafenech5
Ancient lace gave me goosebumps as I read it
Such a beautiful piece of writing.
LikeReply 21 year ago
- lovingempath
  Thank you so much Donna. Your poem gave me goosebumps as well. I think I know this little girl in your poem.
  LikeReply1 year ago
donnam.76665
I am a believer that a poem should move us. The author's fragile pain screams out to me from this piece of poetry. I cried.
LikeReply 21 year ago
- lovingempath
  Thank you so much Donna. If I made you cry, well...my job here is done :) (Like we all need something else to cry about :).
  LikeReply1 year ago
Running_late2003
I read every poem more than once but this one stuck with me. The poetic flow makes it easy to follow, the heartfelt words tell a deep story, my compassion runs deep as I read it. Great job in this expressive poem... you have touched my heart. more »
LikeReply 21 year ago
- lovingempath
  Thank you so much Teresa...I think we have a lot in common!
  LikeReply1 year ago
Ashvs4285
This is beautifully written and the way the words flow together makes is magical.
LikeReply 11 year ago

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"Ancient Lace" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 Apr. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/155867/ancient-lace>.

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