“It’s Not Lost” published at Gobblers & Masticadores

On By Mike U.In Poetry

Hi, everyone. I’m happy to announce my poem “It’s Not Lost” has been published at Gobblers & Masticadores. Many thanks to Juan Re Crivello and Manuela Timofte and their staff for their kindness in sharing this poem with their readers. I’m honored to have my poetry published at Gobblers & Masticadores. Thank you kindly, Juan and Manuela!

“It’s Not Lost”
(c) 2021 by Michael L. Utley

“It’s not lost on me
How this coral-tinctured eve
Tempers morning’s joy
With sadness and coos of doves
Grieve dying light’s somber end

It’s not lost on me that I
Never got to bid farewell
As sun languishes
On melancholy verge of
Day’s bitter demise…”

I’d be delighted if you’d read the rest of my poem by clicking this link. Also, don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Gobblers & Masticadores, where you’ll find some wonderful writing and plenty of food for thought.

52 thoughts on ““It’s Not Lost” published at Gobblers & Masticadores”

    1. Thank you very much, Friedrich. It really has been rather exciting so far this year with regards to seeing my work published more widely. Honestly, each time it happens, I feel like a little kid opening birthday or Christmas presents! It’s a thrill that never, ever gets old, and I’m so grateful to the kind folks at Gobblers and Chewers and Spillwords who have published my writing. I waited so long for this dream to be realized (since my teenage years, in fact). I will never take this for granted, and I will savor each moment and remain filled with humble gratitude.

      As always, your support and kindness are invaluable to me, my friend. Many, many thanks! *tips cap* :)

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  3. Tranature - quiet moments in nature's avatar Tranature - quiet moments in nature

    Congratulations with your publication Mike, it is so lovely to see your poems published more widely. This poem is beautifully penned with a cadence that encourages deeper reflection 💜✍

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    1. Thanks so much, Xenia. I truly appreciate your constant support and encouragement. It’s always an exciting and humbling feeling when I see my writing published. Even when I self-publish pieces on my blog, hitting that Publish button can be scary, but it produces such an intense moment of joy. Then the waiting comes, hoping folks enjoy what I’ve written (fingers crossed!). :) It’s so wonderful to receive kind comments from people whose art I admire so much such as yourself. It definitely keeps me going, and it’s incredibly inspiring. Honestly, this community has done so much to lift my spirits over the past two-and-a-half years. This is such a warm and caring place, you know? Thanks for being here, my friend. :)

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  5. I loved the mood in that poem.
    The heart undulates with urgency and surrender..grief, regret. Beautifully penned Mikey.
    And congratulations my bro on another milestone. As writers we enjoy being published. 👏👏👏

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    1. Thanks, man. I’ve always equated the end of the day with sorrow and regret. Things coming to an end, you know? Whether it’s the day fading into night, or the demise of a relationship , there’s a melancholy that’s undeniable, at least for me. To rue something that never even came to pass is a strange thing, but our hearts don’t follow logic–they want what they desire regardless of how much it hurts. Thanks for the steadfast support, amigo. Truly grateful for you. :)

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    1. Thanks a bunch, David. Loss and longing…a constant theme of mine, apparently. I have lots of experience with this stuff, but I know everyone goes through something similar at some point (and many of us seem to make a habit of it). All part of being fallible humans. I appreciate your kind words, my friend. Your support both inspires and motivates me, so thank you so much. :) 

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    1. Many thanks for your kindness, my friend. I’m happy that you liked this poem and I appreciate you for always being so supportive. You’re a wonderful person and you’re always welcome here. See you later! :)

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  13. Congratulations, Mike!✨ Your poetry feels otherworldly and yet so deeply rooted in the human condition at the same time. 😊I teared up reading this beautifully delicate poem. I, too, struggle with the thoughts of not doing enough and not being there enough for the ones I hold dear. It weighs on me way too much at times and becomes itself crippling, making me fill with further regret. I guess there is no way out of it. 😔

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    1. Kindest thanks, Aaysid. Your words always leave a deep impact on me and I appreciate your support so much. 

      I suppose it’s part of being human that we feel responsible for others, yet it’s nigh impossible to save someone who doesn’t want to be saved. I was a “rescuer,” you see, all throughout my youth (and into my adult years as well). As a kid, I was my mom’s bodyguard to protect her from my dad. Later, when I began having relationships, I found myself in similar situations, only the dangers to those former girlfriends were different (drugs, alcohol, self-destructive behavior). I thought I could rescue them from their demons, save them, and thus prove my love to them. Alas, I was young and naive, and while my intentions were good, I had no concept of addiction and how damaging it can be. I had a string of bad relationships and felt hopeless and powerless. When I began counseling in the mid ’90s, I learned about boundaries and rescuing behavior and did my best to make sure never to revisit those old habits. But life has a way of tripping us up sometimes, and my last relationship was fraught with fear for the girl I loved who was on a downward spiral into darkness. I tried so hard to help her, but she didn’t want help and she faded away. There was no closure, and I have no idea if she’s okay or if she’s even still alive. Hence my sorrowful poetry. I still carry around that sense of guilt and futility, wondering what I could have done differently that might have given her some hope. 

      Some of us take on the heavy burdens of others out of love or duty and it can be so difficult and exhausting, and in the end, we feel as though we failed that person. We can only do what we can do, you know? Hopefully it’s enough, but if it’s not, we must be kind to ourselves and realize we’ve done our best. Some people don’t want to be saved. And it’s a sorrow unlike any other.

      Anyway, I value your thoughts so much, my friend. I hope you find peace in the knowledge that you’re doing your best and that people appreciate you. You’re a shining star here on WordPress, Aaysid. You are very much appreciated. :) 

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      1. Oh, my! I am so sorry, Mike. This must have been incredibly tough to face. I am glad you sought counseling and it helped you. You have a magnanimous heart and an incredibly kind spirit. Thank you so much for your wonderfully supportive words. Prayers for you.🌸🙏

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  14. Congratulations, Mike, on another amazing poem published! A beautiful and achingly mournful poem, yet also dusted with longing for what might have been. Each word chosen with emotion and imagery to put us in your story. Thanks for sharing and again, congrats!

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    1. You’re so kind, Peggy. Thank you for such a warm comment, my friend. I’m glad this poem resonated with you. Loss and longing…such human traits, and they can have such a lasting impact on us. I appreciate your stopping by as always, and thanks again for your constant support and encouragement. :)

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