Not Forgotten

By TTB

I am just an afterthought
To a world that is constantly moving
But then…
I am a wish to those who remember
And miss me

8 Comments

  1. Freddie Hoskin on October 9, 2018 at 3:47 PM

    I really love the pacing of this poem. The motion pointed towards in the second line by “a world that is constantly moving” is really beautifully subverted in the next line with “But then…” The pacing in the last two lines is calm and measured and really rounds the whole thing out well. Personally I’m a big fan of short form poetry but this one in particular manages to go at three different speeds in the space of five lines which is an impressive feat to pull off so well. I’m also really fond of the idea of being a wish to someone, it really expands my idea of the word “wish” but doesn’t stretch it beyond the bounds of sense. I really enjoyed this poem, thank you.

  2. Amanda on February 5, 2019 at 11:28 AM

    I absolutely love the parallelism found in this poem! The text itself is extremely powerful in the clear separation between the first and second halves that reflects the separation that the author feels from the world.

  3. Kayelynn on April 19, 2020 at 4:02 PM

    TTB,

    Such insight in a small package. You confront that, to the outside world, incarcerated people are just faceless masses behind stone walls. But, to your loved ones, you represent so much more than that, you’re like a puzzle piece they’re waiting to find again. You’re a wonderful writer!

  4. Jocelyn Matos on April 28, 2020 at 5:34 PM

    I felt two perspectives between the people who truly care and the people who swear they care. Time moves on while your inside. Less calls and less letters after month 3. The best way to do your time is remembering the people who matter and have proven it time and time again. Its great to be loved and feel loved. hold that closer.

  5. shai on February 24, 2021 at 11:47 AM

    Despite it being a simple poem on the surface, the meaning behind it ignites such powerful emotions. The first sentence already spoke so loudly, saying you feel like an afterthought in such a fast-paced world. It is a valid feeling – the bustle of daily life can really make individuals feel like just that – an individual, easily forgotten about. However, your words are what set you apart – the self-reflection shines through and leaves such a positive impact – you are not just an afterthought. Lovely poem, thank you so much for sharing!

  6. Serena on February 25, 2021 at 1:49 AM

    This poem carries so much meaning in so little words. It’s so true that we are all strangers to one another and yet to some we are held with love in their eyes. I love your wording and depiction of how people remember one another.

  7. Katie on May 3, 2021 at 4:08 PM

    TTB,
    The world is constantly moving and changing around us. I think so many people focus on others that they forget to live their own lives and others still only see them as an afterthought. I think the most important thing is to ask yourself, do you feel like an afterthought? Do you feel like you’ll be forgotten as quickly as you existed? Because if you do feel that way I encourage you to find and partake in ways that will make you feel remembered, like writing. Create something that you’ll leave behind that will deny anyone making you into an afterthought. I think you have a real talent for writing and I encourage you to pursue it further.

    • Free Minds Book Club on August 17, 2022 at 4:26 PM

      Response from the author:

      Hi, Katie. I read your comment on my poem. You said, “The world is constantly moving and changing around us. I think so many ppl focus on others that they may forget to live their own lives and others still only see them as an afterthought. I think the most important thing is to ask yourself, do you feel like your an afterthought? Do you feel like you’ll be forgotten as quickly as you existed? Because if you do feel that way I encourage you to find and partake in ways that will make you feel remembered, like writing. Create something that you’ll leave behind that will deny anyone making you into an afterthought.”

      What you have said I agree with one hundred percent. The suggestions that you’ve made are things that I do and have been for quite some time. I have a question for you Katie: have you ever been in prison or away from your family and friends for extended amounts of time??? If you have then you will understand my next paragraph.
      The message that I was attempting to convey is this: sometimes I feel that I am not important enough to those who love me even though I know that I am loved. Being in prison is not easy. When I said, “I am just an afterthought to a world that is constantly moving but then…” I was speaking about the ppl in my life, and because the world is moving at a pace that is beyond the pace of those who are like me that are in prison, I do feel forgotten. But I have reached a level of understanding that allows me to love those, who I know who have a lot on their plate, unconditionally, even if I feel like they have forgotten about me. But to the world in general, I write express my feelings and dreams and goals and love.

      Thank you for your feedback and your helpful advice.

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The poets featured here are currently incarcerated, and many of them are in federal prisons far from home. Your feedback is a valuable source of motivation and connection to the outside community. Post your comments, feedback, and encouragement in the space below the poem. Messages will be passed on directly to the author. Comments may not appear immediately on the site, as our team processes them to mail to the poets.