Mom said the name first.
Like it mattered.
Bleeding heart.
I thought,
that can’t be real.
Then she showed me
the plant.
Small red hearts.
Split open.
Like something trying
not to.
We put it in the yard
on 37th Street.
Next to nothing special.
Just dirt.
Just Iowa.
A week later,
I noticed the willow
in the backyard.
Weeping willow.
Same trick.
Name first.
Then the shape.
Branches hanging.
Like they knew something
I didn’t understand yet.
I started paying attention
to words that hurt
before they meant anything.
A year later,
I let my little girlfriend
cut my hair.
She butchered it.
Laughed.
Then cried.
Her dog,
out in the road.
I held her.
Didn’t know what to say.
Just stood there.
Bad haircut.
Dead dog
between us.
Figuring it out.
How things look
like what they’re called.
How sometimes,
they don’t.
-
Author:
Thomas W Case (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: June 30th, 2026 08:22
- Comment from author about the poem: Aluminum Cowboys: Poems and Short Stories by Thomas W. Case is available through Kindle Unlimited.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 50
- Users favorite of this poem: sorenbarrett, arqios, Tristan Robert Lange, Teddy.15, Joseph M Marion
Offline)
Comments9
The use of these symbols the bleeding heart and weeping willow could not be more perfect. The merging of them with the emotion of the poem is masterful. A fave Thomas
Thank you, my friend.
My pleasure it is always a joy to read a wonderful poem
They just keep getting better & better Thomas .. Neville
Thank you, my friend.
good write, much enjoyed read
Thanks.
most welcome
The soul hitches and centres.🙏🏻🕊️
Yes, it does. Thank you.
Thomas, that's really a strong and powerful emotionally and significantly clear work. My like.
Thank you.
Thomas, this really moved me. I love how an ordinary childhood memory quietly unfolds into something much deeper about language, loss, and growing up. It lingered with me long after I finished reading. Beautiful write, my friend. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
Thank you.
A wonderful piece of poetry dear Thomas. Remarkable emotion. 🌹
Thank you, sweet Teddy.
Your poem shows how language slowly teaches you how to see—and how feeling gives words their real meaning. Well Done
Much appreciated.
True some things are properly named and some don’t live up to expectations
So true. Thank you.
am happy you think so too...
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