Chyrel J. Jackson: Selected Poems

The Poetryzine Magazine presents the selected poems by the American poetess Chyrel J. Jackson

Illustration AI

MOONCHILD

Hello, round-faced girl with the prickly hair.

You are my greatest joy.

When I think of you, a thousand perfectly shaped moons come to mind.

I am recalling your smile;

Lighting up my life, just like the moon illuminates a dark and somber sky.

You’re a very old soul. Your wisdom far exceeds your years.

Tell me, have you been here before?

We are extended selves sharing in joy, feeling each other’s pain.

You are my heart’s delight.

You are one perfectly shaped moon illuminating my life.

REMEMBERING CAMELOT

Do you remember Camelot?

Arise, big brother. Let us rebuild our

majestic, magical city.

Let us revisit the innocence of childhood folly.

I’ve brought all the things we’ll need for our journey.

Look, I am Lady Guinevere standing by your side.

Behold, thou art king of all earthly kings,

mighty King Arthur.

Do you remember Camelot?

Arise, big brother. Take my hand. I can see the mote

surrounding the castle.

Can you see the beginnings of our City?

Let us play as we did when we were once children.

Let us make folly. Big brother, arise. Let us revisit Camelot.

WARRING MEMEBERS

My arms

long to embrace

you

My hands

wish to be held

by yours

My eyes

want to behold you

forever,

today, tomorrow; for always,

my love.

My lips

long to kiss

you

My ears

wish to hear

you speak

because of you, my

heart and mind

remain in mortal war

today, tomorrow, for always,

my love.

REFIND JEWELS

Life Lessons from Dad (Dad’s Poem II)

We spend so much of our lives

running away from

fighting with and against

who and what we are.

Afraid of just being.

Frightened of what is true.

Truth and acceptance are life’s

greatest gifts.

Usually only garnered through

the furnace of our affliction.

These refined jewels of life can

only be fully appreciated

with age.

Within the finite passage

of time acceptance is learned.

In all of life’s combat

we find ourselves.

Once all the hurtful words are exchanged,

and all our unhealed pain acknowledged,

we stand-firmly,

rooted in our truth.

Choosing whether to be broken or not.

THE THINGS I DON'T REMEMBER

Since your departure, all thoughts of you

have faded from my memory.

I don’t remember your squared,

dimpled chin, nor

do I recall your flawless state of dress.

I don’t remember the way your soft, curly hair felt

resting on my fingertips. I don’t remember gentle, silky kisses on my right shoulder

as you greeted me with good morning.

I don’t remember the lingering smell of your

bath soap or aftershave.

I don’t remember the eight tiny crinkles that

formed in the corners of your eyes when you

smiled, nor do I recall the four hairs of your

mustache which refused to keep

perfect order.

I don’t remember the way you whispered

“goodnight Sweetheart” in my ear before you drifted off to sleep.

Since your departure…No, I can’t say that I remember anything about you at all.

Poem MOONCHILD is a tender ode to a beloved individual, likened to a perfectly shaped moon illuminating the speaker's life. The imagery evokes warmth and admiration, portraying the subject as an old soul with wisdom beyond their years. Poem REMEMBERING CAMELOT invites readers on a nostalgic journey to the mythical realm of Camelot, where innocence and magic abound. Through vivid imagery and poignant dialogue, the poem captures the essence of childhood whimsy and sibling bonds. Poem WARRING MEMBERS delves into the internal conflict of love, expressing a longing for connection amidst a tumultuous emotional landscape. The repetition of “today, tomorrow, for always, my love” emphasizes the enduring nature of affection despite inner turmoil. Poem REFIND JEWELS reflects on the lessons learned through life's struggles and the value of acceptance. Through evocative language, the poem emphasizes the transformative power of truth and self-awareness gained over time. Poem THE THINGS I DON'T REMEMBER explores the pain of loss and fading memories, poignantly depicting the gradual disappearance of cherished moments with a loved one. The repetition of “I don't remember” underscores the speaker's grief and the void left by their absence. Overall, these poems offer a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences, inviting readers to contemplate themes of love, nostalgia, acceptance, and loss.