Valentine’s Day—a wonderful celebration for some. A day to get through—to get over—for others. But no matter your present situation, if you have had love in your life—even lost love—it has changed you, hopefully expanded your heart, given you an even greater capacity for love.
I first wrote this poem in 1969. I was 21 years old. I have “dinked” with it over the years, adding the perspective of time. But the message is basically intact. It speaks for itself. I hope it helps my readers to understand that we not only need to be loved, but we also need to love others. And each time we do, our hearts expand, making room for more love.
Time and Loss
Reflecting back,
I watch time and distance recede,
shrinking mountains
into smooth, rolling hills
against a brilliant sky.
Like the leveling peaks,
pain and loss recedes,
releasing my mind,
quieting that place in my heart
reserved for you and you alone.
Not saying that I’ll never love again,
nor that another cannot enter in.
But time can never take the past away.
It cannot make the feelings felt,
the laughter heard, the seasons shared
pass into moments never lived,
nor keep this heart
from loving moments given.
For I know in life there will always be
a time when there was only
you and me.
Copyright: Laurel Jean Becker February 13, 2014
Catharine: Delighted you enjoyed my poem and that it resonated with wonderful memories. Thank you for letting me know.
I really enjoyed this poem. A true love only comes by once in a lifetime, at least for some of us. I enjoyed this poem, it brought back many wonderful memories.
Thank you,
Catharine
Aunt Beulah: Thank you for your comment. It is good to know that my work touches you and your life. It strikes me that you, in your wisdom, have lived this poem. You deserve all the love that life can bring you.
I wish I’d had this lovely poem to help me when I was divorced from a man I’d loved and who had loved me for many years. I tried to explain to family and friends why I couldn’t hate, forget, or speak ill of my past with my ex-husband. Loving him and being loved by him had given me and taught me so much. After the initial pain, I could only wish him well. Your poem would have helped me explain my feelings.
This is nice, mom. I like it.
I am glad, too, Trina. He has been a wonderful partner in life. Thank you Nancy and Betty.
Really beautiful!
Thank you, Laurie for your lovely words. I’m so glad you continue to write and share your gift.
Ah, it’s so good to find someone to help you through this life! And, you express it so well that I have tears in my eyes–so glad you and Randy found each other.
Lovely perspective. And strong ending that rings with truth.
Thank you, Elle. And the same for you, too.
May your day be one of lovely moments and memories