He kept his apologies in shoe boxes
at the bottom of the wardrobe,
where they stayed gathering dust
until he’d pick a pair
to wear out.
Then he’d wear them until holes
were worn through the soles
and the fabric of them
became crepe paper packing
on unwanted gifts.
They never matched his outfit,
or suited the occasion,
you could pick them out a mile off
three shades too bright
and a little too polished.
I could never take him seriously
when he came to my door
wearing his best apologies
and tried to explain to me
how really,
it was me who was wrong.
Written For The Daily Prompt: Apology
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Published by Carol J Forrester
Carol J Forrester is a writer and a history geek. Her debut collection 'It's All In The Blood' came out November 2019.
She has a 2:1 BA degree in history from Bath Spa University, enjoys judo at least twice a week, and tries to attend poetry events around the Midlands when she can.
Her flash fiction story ‘Glorious Silence’ was named as River Ram Press’ short story of the month for August 2014 and her short story ‘A Visit From The Fortune Teller’ has been showcased on the literary site Ink Pantry. Her poems ‘Sunsets’ and ‘Clear Out‘ were featured on Eyes Plus Words, and two of her poems were included in the DVerse Poets Pub Publication ‘Chiaroscuro’ which is available for purchase on amazon.Her poem ‘Until The Light Gets In‘ was accepted and published at The Drabble and her poem ‘Newborn’ was published by Ink Sweat & Tears.
She has been lucky enough to write guest posts for sites such as Inky Tavern and Song of The Forlorn and has hosted a number of guest bloggers on her site Writing and Works.
View all posts by Carol J Forrester
An easy apology that doesn’t meet the crime, and insincere also. See. I got it.
Love it
Excellent! (K)
I like this very much!
A beautiful poem!
Oh boy, can I relate to this…sadly! I love how you describe those apologies as so pristine because they were barely used. I loved this, Carol!
Thank you. I tried to write this poem a few years ago but it didn’t work so I was really happy it turned out well this time.
I love this, not that it’s pleasant, but very well written and so creative.
Thank you. 🙂
I agree with Gayle. And how those apologies became worn out and because after all, you.were.wrong. I used to know a couple of folk like that. Put them and their box out the door. Excellent write.
Thank you. That’s a great analogy.
Those are the manipulators – trying to get their foot in the door, wearing their best apologies, only to smash your finger in it! Very creative and well-written.
Clever, fresh and original Carol – I enjoyed this a lot and will be back to see what else you come up with next… With Best Wishes Scott http://www.scotthastie.com
This is so beautiful so wise…
Alas.. that’s why forgive me never really means it… it’s like an empty heart-shaped box.
Great use of metaphors! Nitty gritty.
Brilliant…this one is a zinger!
Strong opening image followed by a clear succession of powerful imagery. Very nicely done.
I love the concreteness of your imagery, Carol, as well as the truth of your words. I loved this poem.
Thank you. 🙂
I echo many of comments above. Well written.
This is one heck of a metaphoric write about a true loser who wore out not only his shoes but his welcome.
I have been there….love this!
Oh very nicely done. Apologies thrown out with even less sincerity than the “blessings” offered when one sneezes are the worst. That’s a closed door never to open again. Excellent wording.
Thank you. 🙂
Carol, this is excellently done. I love the metaphors too and how your thoughts flow in every line. ❤
You describe and have found out this mans motives and pen them well. One cannot disguise their true self…bkm
This is absolutely fantastic, Carol. I read and re-read it and the images and feelings it brought to mind… ah, wonderful.
Thank you so much, I’m really glad you enjoyed it.
I absolutely love everything about this poem.
Everything.
Thank you. 🙂
This is a wonderfully developed extended metaphor – eloquent (it says it all) with touches of droll humor deftly mixed in. An awesome piece of writing!
Thank you. I’m really glad you think so.
Always not their fault, I know. I enjoyed your share very much.
drag the songs