Submitted by Dorinda Duclos
I find them in the most unusual places
Little pieces of me I must have left behind
I wonder why they stopped where they did
How they settled in the forgotten cracks
Was it on purpose, or was it I no longer cared?
The particles of my life I chose to leave
Not wanting to be remembered for what was
Rather, what is, and what lies ahead
A glance in the mirror shows a different face
I battle the days when age is not a number
But a feeling, of weary bones, and creaky joints
That one cannot forget about, for another day
As I amble down the hallways, through time
A cobweb, seemingly misplaced inside
Makes me wonder if the spider, too
Has left behind her pieces, in forgotten webs
While she moves on, to find what lies ahead
And as I sweep away the remnants of her creation
I can’t help but wonder, did I sweep away
Another part of me, too…
About the Poet
Dorinda Duclos is a writer of poetry, sharing her life experiences through verse. Along with 13 published books, she is also the author of the blog, Night Owl Poetry. A wife and mother of two, Dorinda makes her home in northern New Jersey, surrounded by wildlife, and nature’s beauty, all inspiration for her poetry.
Photo Credit: Caravaggio’s Narcissus
Vita Brevis Press. 
Which parts of ourselves do we retain, and which do we intentionally, or subconsciously, neglect? And is it a matter of vanity? Or sanity? Ironically, perhaps it’s a matter of self-preservation
I think you’re exactly right. Self-preservation is definitely what I was reflecting on here. Thank you for reading and commenting!
I love seeing this side of you, knowing the pain you deal with daily. This is so good Lady D!!
Thank you so very much, Sir Walt! “We” deal with daily. I am right with you, my friend!
“we” 🙂 ❤
Reblogged this on Night Owl Poetry – Dorinda Duclos and commented:
I am honored, once again, to have one of my poems published in Vita Brevis! Many thanks to Brian for finding this piece worthy of gracing his literary publication! 🙂
Absolutely love this piece. I felt every single word from head to toe.. insoul and out. Dorinda is just as fabulous as her writing. A kind soul with a huge heart.
Thank you so very much, Joseph! I’m humbled by your words ❤
I felt the same way!
I think this is something many of us wonder about as we get older.
Yes, I believe we do. Thank you for reading ❤
You’re welcome!
Beautiful and a thoughtful poem. The idea of losing ourselves in bits and pieces to reality has been beautifully portrayed.
Thank you so much, Megha!
My pleasure Dorinda
Dorinda, losing myself here and there along the way has not always been a sad happening. It is sad only when my vanity takes over and sets me straight about my present reality. This is a heartfelt poem you shared with us.
Thank you, Hélène. As I grow older, I often wonder if I left a piece of me somewhere it shouldn’t be. It’s an odd feeling.
Dorinda, that would be an odd feeling for sure.
We do leave pieces in so many places especially where there has been a lot of emotions and entanglements in relationships, or any place we were so involved with. Ah, my goodness, why does our mind play games with us.
A question that will never have a true answer, and so, the games live on.
What an incredible poem!
Thank you so very much!
Relatable words woven with a rhythmic reflection of life’s journey. What we chose to let go of and hold on to does give us who we are today.
Yes, we create ourselves by the bits and pieces we choose to keep, and what we brush away! Thank you for reading 🙂