Poems about Forgetting: Reflecting on Lost Memories and Fading Emotions

In the realm of poetry, few subjects are as poignant and universal as the concept of forgetting. The act of forgetting is inherent to our human nature; it shapes our experiences, shapes our relationships, and shapes our very existence. From the fleeting moments to the profound emotions, the state of forgetting affects us in ways both profound and perplexing. This article delves into the rich tapestry of poems that explore the theme of forgetting, showcasing the beauty, melancholy, and catharsis that can arise from their verses.

1. "Remember" by Christina Rossetti

"Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go, yet turning stay.

Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you planned:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.

Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,

Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad."

This deeply moving sonnet by Christina Rossetti is a testament to the power of remembering and the acceptance of being forgotten. Through the poet's plea, a sentiment of selflessness emerges – the desire for one's loved one to experience happiness, even if it means forgetting. Rossetti's heartfelt words capture the bittersweet essence of human connections and the eternal longing for remembrance.

2. "One Art" by Elizabeth Bishop

"The art of losing isn't hard to master;
so many things seem filled with the intent
to be lost that their loss is no disaster.

Lose something every day. Accept the fluster
of lost door keys, the hour badly spent.
The art of losing isn't hard to master.

Then practice losing farther, losing faster:
places, and names, and where it was you meant
to travel. None of these will bring disaster.

I lost my mother's watch. And look! my last, or
next-to-last, of three loved houses went.
The art of losing isn't hard to master.

I lost two cities, lovely ones. And, vaster,
some realms I owned, two rivers, a continent.
I miss them, but it wasn't a disaster.

—Even losing you (the joking voice, a gesture
I love) I shan't have lied. It's evident
the art of losing's not too hard to master
though it may look like (Write it!) like disaster."

Elizabeth Bishop's acclaimed villanelle, "One Art," explores the varied degrees of loss and the art of mastering it. Combining vulnerability with a touch of irony, Bishop explores the inherent fragility of memory and the daunting task of accepting the gradual fading of important aspects of our lives. Through her skillful use of repetition and subtle wordplay, the poem evokes both resignation and resilience in the face of forgetting.

3. "Lines" by John Donne

"When I consider how my light is spent,
E're half my days, in this dark world and wide,
And that one Talent which is death to hide,
Lodg'd with me useless, though my Soul more bent

To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, least he returning chide;
Doth God exact day-labour, light deny'd,
I fondly ask; But patience to prevent

That murmur, soon replies, God doth not need
Either man's work or his own gifts, who best
Bear his mild yoak, they serve him best, his State

Is Kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed
And post o're Land and Ocean without rest:
They also serve who only stand and waite."

In "Lines," John Donne contemplates the impact of forgetting and the notion of service amid physical limitations. The poem dives into the self-doubt and frustration one can encounter when faced with a diminishing ability to remember and perform tasks. However, Donne asserts that even in moments of seeming uselessness, one can still serve a higher purpose. Through the power of acceptance and patience, the poem offers solace and hope in the face of forgetfulness.

Poems about forgetting navigate the intricate web of human emotions, memories, and the relentless passage of time. From the longing for remembrance to the art of mastering loss, these selected poems have shed light on the multifaceted ways in which forgetting shapes our lives. Through their verses, poets like Christina Rossetti, Elizabeth Bishop, and John Donne emphasize the significance of embracing the transitory nature of memory and finding solace in acceptance. As we explore the depths of these poems, we discover that in the realm of forgetting, there exists beauty and catharsis, ultimately aiding us in our pursuit of self-discovery and meaning.