I will clear them out,
The jar of olives that you kept
Just behind the mustard that was
Far too spicy for my palate.
And the bleu cheese dressing that
You used to toss the salad with
Before you served it even though
You knew I liked French better.
Here’s one more can of Mr. Pibb,
And some marshmallow Peeps that
You said you’d eat last Easter,
The barbecue sauce you liked so much
That I thought tasted like feet,
And the bright pink jar of pickled ginger
That you bought to go with sushi.
I never could stand the stuff.
It’s funny – I cleared the closets of you
Months ago, sorted through the stacks
Of papers you left on your desk
And threw your shampoo out,
But I couldn’t touch the fridge,
Wasn’t strong enough to put away
These remnants of your embodiment,
Fodder now for nothing but my wallowing.
But this morning I woke knowing that
I couldn’t hold you any longer
And it’s time I had some space.
-~-~-~-~
Sunday Scribblings prompt: fridge space
Writers Island prompt: changed
Delicious!! I really enjoyed reading this – there was a real air of honesty and resonance – thank you for sharing it!!!
Ha!! I loved this — it’s so true, all the foods we buy — usually for someone else and we don’t like it — the relationship has gone bye-bye and we find something in the fridge that just brings that person back!! Well written!!
Clever stuff! An excellent read
I had to re-read this several times as my own memories of someone, and somet act which was similar kept popping into my head. The foods and feelings shared were so reminiscent…
Touching and wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
Funny – the jar of hot peppers I so hated was the first thing to go. This was beautifully put.
The things we hold on to. Well done.
Well written. I like the way the poem builds to the last line.
Always enjoy it when you post. So glad you’ve washed that person right out of your…refrigerator.
Sounds like an incompatibility at that most basic of levels – food!
Clearing your fridge is changing your life. Love it.
Sometimes I think our fridge has taken control of our lives.
endless
possibilities
hey hey, very refreshing, and the idea of getting rid of one last thing to go free is always such a sens eof delight, andthe way u put it is just very good.
So well expressed! Sounds like you are taking the last step in moving forward! hugs NG
My new beginning is of a different sort
Love it. Love it. Love it.
Very honest post. Enjoyed it.
Still smiling here! Just yesterday, I cleaned out the dregs of my partner’s food forays in the cupboard and fridge. A stray biscuit here, lots of sugary bits and some dribbles of beetroot there. He is the adorable cook in our house, but such an incredible messy one. I get to cleanup behind his back or he goes mad at me! lol
But seriously, loved your foodie wording; showing how you peel away memories!
Great write!
Smiles and Light
This is wonderful!!!
Ah a clean refrigerator is a rare jewel! Nicely written.
That is a great take on the prompt. Oddly enough, 5 years later, I have no memory of consciously cleaning out the items that were only to my erstwhile husband’s taste. They didn’t resonate like stuff elsewhere in the house. Although when I shop, I never, never buy the biscuits he used to like. Hmmm.
I love the way this is written! I could picture all those items sitting there and the garbage can filling, filling up with them!
Wonderful
There’s nothing better than getting rid of the remains of someone you want out of your life. I really liked your take on it.
…to me it seems that the food in the fridge was a symbol of the way that he nurtured himself – signs of some special care – proof that he was capable of it…thats a diet that’s hard to give up on…I liked your piece…
Poetman
tangible and crisp. enjoyed.
very warm one..
Beautiful! I enjoyed this very much. ;o)
Ah, yes. It’s about the cleaning up and out. Great post – I love it! Been there myself.
Really loved this, so well structured, so vivid. Great idea too.
this makes me feel as if you wanted to see the decay in those perishable items.. let them rot,, so to speak… very nice post……
Oh, how lovely! A bittersweet piece about love found and lost. Thank you!
Oh, how much did I love this piece? I LOVED LOVED it. Perfection!
What a wonderful post. Although change can take time and a toll on us sometimes it is for the best.
Strange how some things remind us of a person, how they conjure up nostalgia, how they summon bitter-sweet memories. And oh, I have to mention the scents – they easily bring us back to yesterdays. Your piece works that way.
Check out my series poem: Changes
Happy Valentines!
I wish you well.
~ Jeques
Hey there,
Hoping to read something new. I’ll be back.
STS
Awesome! The couplets work great, leading the reader through the fridge, the thought process of the narrator, and the emotions. I love all the specific references to food items,modernized in cans and jars and labels- really brings the images to life.
I understand too the point made about the food-so intimate, a part that mixed with his mouth, salive, fingers, his direct touch.
It felt good at the end when she did clean out the stuff that never really suited her in the first place.