THE ESSENTIALS
Should the shipwreck come
and I and my truck be washed ashore
Here’s what remain to call my own
sustaining me in my bamboo hut:
Tangerine candles and wooden matchsticks
A jar of honey
A box of African Red Bush Tea
My favorite honeybee mug
A volume of Neruda and one of Hardy
Paper and pencils
Pictures of my family and friends
A few sports bras and tramparound clothes
One little black dress, unusable in these circumstances
Hopefully, my bifocals would survive the swim
But most important of all:
My wit
My faith
My ingenuity, soon to be tested
My name
…even if I am the only one left alive to say it
© 2010 Amy Barlow Liberatore
Sharp Little Pencil 
Emmanuel Ibok
Your will, your faith, your ingenuity and your name are actually the only things you need to sound a good lasting impression after you leave…Well written with precision and vim.
Have a beautiful Saturday
Cheers!
Emmanuel Ibok
and your comment on my blog really touched me…thanks a million.
Sharp Little Pencil
I meant every word, Emmanuel. Gifts come from who knows where – but how many squander them and watch “Dancing With the Stars” or go out clubbing instead of taking time to weave a spell? (Not that clubbing and TV don’t have their place, but it’s about priorities, methinks!) Peace, Amy
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Emmanuel. Saroyan wrote something to the effect that people live on in the stories told about them. When we leave our words behind, they also tell our stories!
Peace, Amy
gospelwriter
Oh wow, this is an awesome read – the bare essentials listed (Neruda! writing materials…), and the final four, in case the rest don’t make it. I love
My name
…even if I am the only one left alive to say it
Yes, oh yes…
Truly beautiful, this.
Sharp Little Pencil
So you’re a Neruda addict, too? Thanks so much for the wonderful compliment! I’m reading Lorca’s New York poems right now… aaaaaah! Amy
uponthewingsofnight
I agree with gospelwriter about the last lines. This poem makes one think about what is most important to them. Brett