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The Sunday Poem: Katrina K Guarascio... They Don't Make Memories Like That Anymore...

Poets try to never forget anything. Ever. But with love, well with love even the act of remembering is an experience not to be forgotten.

"Some automatic device clicked in her big brain, and her knees felt weak, and there was a chilly feeling in her stomach. She was in love with this man.
They don't make memories like that anymore"
— Kurt Vonnegut (Galápagos)

Katrina K Guarascio resides in Albuquerque and teaches English, Poetry, and Journalism in Rio Rancho. She also is the sponsor of her high school's slam team. She is the author of two chapbooks, Hazy Expressions and More Fire than Sun, and recently a book length publication, A Scattering of Imperfections.

They Don't Make Memories Like That Anymore...

They don’t make memories like that anymore…
The newness of Saturday morning
still lies upon lips.
Pomegranate and mint leaves,

perfume the moment.
A drop of water, steady in suspension,
reflects a smile between girl and boy.
This fickle flash,
malleable as smoke circles in airstreams.
revives a remembrance,
crisp as coal.
You used to say, I was a sketch.
Charcoal pencil rubbing white pages.
Unshaded ribbons,
around twisted branches.
Now, with misshapen limbs
I separate east from west,
and pretend not to feel
sooted fingertips against earlobe.
Mislaid images of a morning,
fragmented.
I never told you
how I like my coffee.
Didn’t want you to have that piece of me,
spread on bread to satiate appetite.
I prefer you drink me,
let me bitter,
scar taste buds,
embed my essence
deep in your mouth
to tongue
until next we meet.

You look at me,
weary eyes across coffee cups.
Without a word,
call me your champion.
Steal a kiss,
tart to taste.
Leave the flavor of this moment,
imperfect,
unfinished,
for me to savor.
I would know you anywhere.

--Katrina K Guarascio

Poetry submissions are encouraged. Email theditchrider@gmail.com.

Tags: guarascio, poetry

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Comment by jack on September 5, 2010 at 8:08am: Very Good!

Comment by Margaret Randall on September 5, 2010 at 8:50am: Thanks, Katrina. I can taste this poem!

Comment by lisa gill on September 5, 2010 at 8:53am: Great to see your poem on the Ditchrider's blog!

Comment by Merimee Moffitt on September 5, 2010 at 8:55am: oh lovely-- (the photo makes me think of Linda Ronstadt--the heart throb of what, the 70s, 80s?) Your poem so sensual, honest, readable and effective--"I never told you how I like my coffee . . . ) very nice reminiscence ---and the poem, too--accessible, useful. Seems like a reincarnation poem, a love from way back

Comment by Barelas Babe on September 5, 2010 at 9:13am: How serendipitous to read this as I'm sipping my coffee. A lovely poem indeed!

Comment by Ben Moffett on September 5, 2010 at 10:08am: Yummy. This should be published in an anthology entitled "Great Poems That Make You Feel Wonderful."

Comment by Zachary Kluckman on September 5, 2010 at 11:07am: Such a great poem Kat! Often poems hold back too much and risk losing the reader or creating too much obfuscation....this poem creates a safe place for "hiding" some part of yourself and reminds the reader what it is to have a piece of them safely pocketed behind a smile somewhere. Love this poem and the Vonnegut nod as well!