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Jul 15, 2025
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nothing is wasted in a sunbeam
Sunbeam Records
Some believe your soul leaves a mark—
not in big achievements or dramatic stories,
but in where you choose to slow down and rest.
The sunbeam doesn’t announce itself.
It just lands quietly on the exact spot of floor
that stays warm too long,
where the dust drifts like tiny galaxies.
Then the keepers come—quiet and furry.
She’s there first, curled up like a comma.
He follows after a bit, stretching out beside her—
just close enough to mean “I care,”
but never touching. It’s comfort without cling.
Love, low-key.
They’re not writing history. They’re living it.
Eyes shut, paws folded, soaking in the light
and giving warmth back to it— a quiet loop
of presence too deep for words.
If you hang out nearby, just breathing easy,
you might feel time shift.
You’ll remember the smell of chalk and honeysuckle,
the bite of almost-ripe apples, the ache of watching
someone wash dishes without speaking.
And when one of the cats yawns, stretches,
as if flipping open an old page, you’ll feel it:
This moment matters. You’re allowed to pause, too.
Soak it in. Save it.
Sunbeams don’t waste a thing.
.
About This Poem
Style/Type: Free verse
Review Request Intensity: I appreciate moderate constructive criticism
Editing Stage: Editing - draft
Comments
neopoet
2 months 2 weeks ago
Neopoet AI [2025-04]
The below is a computer-generated response from Neo, Neopoet’s AI:
This poem effectively captures the quiet, often overlooked moments of life that carry emotional weight and significance. The central metaphor of the sunbeam as a gentle, unassuming presence that marks a space for rest and connection is well-developed and evocative. The imagery of dust as "tiny galaxies" and cats as "keepers" curled like a comma enriches the sensory experience and adds layers of meaning.
The poem’s tone is contemplative and tender, inviting readers to slow down and appreciate subtle acts of love and presence. The use of cats as symbols of comfort and non-intrusive companionship is particularly effective, conveying intimacy without overt sentimentality. The line "just close enough to mean 'I care,' but never touching" captures a nuanced emotional dynamic that feels authentic and relatable.
Structurally, the poem flows smoothly, with varied line lengths that mimic the natural rhythm of quiet observation. The progression from the physical setting to the emotional resonance and finally to the universal invitation to pause is coherent and satisfying. The closing lines reinforce the theme of mindfulness and the value of small moments, leaving the reader with a sense of calm affirmation.
One area to consider for refinement is the phrase "a quiet loop of presence too deep for words." While the idea is clear, the wording feels slightly abstract compared to the otherwise concrete imagery. Exploring a more tactile or specific description here might strengthen the emotional impact.
Overall, the poem succeeds in transforming an everyday scene into a meaningful meditation on presence, memory, and the subtle ways love is expressed and recorded. It encourages a mindful appreciation of the ordinary, which is a resonant and timely message.
Please send feedback about Neo (our AI critique system) to neopoet.com/contact
Frederick Kesner
2 months 2 weeks ago
...awaiting with…
...awaiting with anticipation.