Smudge the lines, then leave no trace
of words–erase the page,
till only thoughts remain
etched within the heart and mind
the rusted memories of
long-ago places, long-ago times–
you travel toward them, dreaming
of endless roads
of what might have been—
if
I apologize for being so behind on reading and commenting. I wasn’t going to participate at all this week because I have an academic history book chapter due, as well as other projects– but the poetry muse kept whispering. . . so, this is for two dVerse prompts. It’s a quadrille for Mish’s prompt using the word “smudge,” and it’s influenced by the photo above from Glenn A. Buttkus’s site “South Sound Minimalist Photos,” for Sanaa’s poetics prompt.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
The nostalgia is palpable … I love this poem.
Thank you so much, Helen! I appreciate your kind words.
“Leave no trace-erase the page “ …
Deep my dear Merril. Lovely writing.
Aww–thank you, Rene!
It’s my pleasure!
Excellent use of both prompts! I saw the photo and as soon as I read ‘smudge’, I knew it was a “duo” 😉
Love this, my favourite “If” poet!
Thank you very much, Dale!😀
Always a pleasure, Merril!
😀
Oh Merril, this is gorgeously gorgeously rendered! Thank you so much for taking the time to write to the prompt 😍 especially like; “the rusted memories of long-ago places, long-ago times–you travel toward them, dreaming of endless roads.” Sigh… yes! 💝💝
Thank you so much, Sanaa!❤️❤️
a crystallized moment deeply felt, beautifully rendered (K)
Thank you so much for that lovely comment, Kerfe.
You are always welcome, Merril.
Lovely, Merril! Good luck with your projects!
Thank you, Jill!
I really like the rusted memories metaphor. I’ve never thought of memories in quite this way before. The metaphor rings true.
Thank you so much, Liz. I’m pleased the metaphor was original and that it rang true! 💙
You’re most welcome, Merril!
great metaphor, great prompt as a nudge towards – or is that backwards …
Thank you so much, Susan!
Apologies are never needed from such a good friend, Merril. As if
Thank you, Derrick. 😀
Rusted memories are filled with might have been.
Yes. Thank you!
This drove into my heart, then backed up into my mind.
I can smell the rust, and I feel the – if.
Thank you so much!💙
xx
I am pleased your muse continues to whisper, Merril: this is just lovely!