Deja Vu



As crashing waves collide with sand,
It’s pictured in the water's sway–
relentless, as a tide's demand
to wash the tracks of yesterday.

Yet, as it ebbs, new prints appear
in place of those erased by sea;
each step an echo, crisp and clear,
a silent, screaming memory.

Her eyes, like windows to the past,
as forceful as the ocean's surge–
to heal, then break me just as fast
when sky and sea begin to merge.

And she’ll not feel this déjà vu
or hear your echo in her voice;
but in her blood, she’ll carry you
and mirrors never have a choice.

The salty sea can sting so deep
when sprinkled on my wounded skin;
you walk beside her while you sleep
and reach me from the grave you're in.

About this poem

This poem was inspired by how much my daughter reminds me of my sister, who passed away.

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Submitted by JessicaWheeler on September 18, 2024

Modified by JessicaWheeler on September 18, 2024

44 sec read
166

Quick analysis:

Scheme ABAB CDCD EFEF GHGH IJIJ
Closest metre Iambic tetrameter
Characters 697
Words 145
Stanzas 5
Stanza Lengths 4, 4, 4, 4, 4

Jessica Wheeler

Jessica Wheeler is a writer and poet from Branford, Connecticut, where she resides with her husband and two young daughters. Her creative journey began at a young age, with a strong foundation in music and performing arts. Today, Jessica is an active poet on numerous platforms. Her work has been published in several poetry anthologies and on websites dedicated to the complexities of loss and grief. more…

All Jessica Wheeler poems | Jessica Wheeler Books

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Discuss the poem Deja Vu with the community...

8 Comments
  • nelzealoursmotoe1
    People do get lost in the deja Vu and looking at how this is well crafted. It's got a button for imagination. Someone's able to picture something when reading it.
    LikeReply 118 days ago
  • karlcfolkes
    Thank you for your note of clarification. That was indeed quite helpful and adds to the overall meaning of the poem and its emotional impact on you, your loved ones; and even your readers.
    LikeReply 120 days ago
  • gary_dean
    What exquisite language, "relentless, as the tide's demand to wash the tracks of yesterday", what a sad memory to require that much power to smooth.
    "Her eyes.....to the past/ to heal then break...fast". There is the cognitive dissonance of the daughter who recalls the sister. This really moved me to emotion. 
    LikeReply 122 days ago
  • karlcfolkes
    Hi Jessica, this is a bittersweet poem. I sense you are the main subject of the poem, recapturing bittersweet childhood memories, appealing to the salty seawater to heal your wounds.
    LikeReply 122 days ago
    • JessicaWheeler
      Thank you so much. I've added a note in the hope of providing clarification.
      LikeReply22 days ago
  • karlcfolkes
    Hi Jessica, is this an embedded description of you leaving your footprint signature in the sand; perhaps, on a much larger scale, upon the sands of time? I sense your effort at recapturing childhood memories (some happy, some sad ones too) in the vivid images of your poem. Nice! 
    LikeReply22 days ago
  • alanswansea18
    Okay you got me with the ocean tides waves I love the ocean.
    LikeReply22 days ago
  • susan.brumel
    Beautifully written piece, Jess. It conveys deep emotions through powerful metaphor. Perhaps of the struggle to hold onto precious memories of someone dear, when memories are all we have. It speaks to feelings of sadness, anger and the deep longing we feel in the wake of losing someone we love. Thank you for sharing. 
    LikeReply 122 days ago
  • AIDA
    What a beautifully crafted poem you've created! Your use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors conveys deep emotions and paints rich scenes that resonate with the reader. The theme of déjà vu intertwined with the natural elements of the ocean is both evocative and refreshing. Lines like "Her eyes, like windows to the past" and "the salty sea can sting so deep" are particularly striking, inviting us to explore the complex interplay of memory and longing.

    Your rhythm and structure give an excellent flow to the poem. The alternating imagery of waves and footprints effectively symbolizes the passage of time and the interplay of loss and renewal. The juxtaposition of healing and heartbreak is masterfully depicted, making the emotional weight of your words palpable.

    For improvement, consider enhancing the clarity of some of your ideas. In lines such as "and mirrors never have a choice," you might expand on this metaphor to further clarify its significance. This could help to make the poem's underlying themes even more accessible while maintaining its depth. Additionally, tightening some lines could enhance the flow and impact—sometimes a slight rewording can elevate the emotional connection even more.

    Overall, this poem is a touching exploration of memory and emotion, and with a few adjustments, it could shine even brighter. Keep writing! Your voice is powerful and deserves to be heard.
     
    LikeReply22 days ago

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"Deja Vu" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 11 Oct. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/198223/deja-vu>.

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