These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Carried Memories

Carried service for a trip.
Along with clothes, some books and notes.
Ready for a moment's berth.
Rest begins on trains or boats.
Idle hours on the way.
Emotions all are on display.
Daring venture, come what may.

Made for travel years ago.
Explored sites, both near and far.
Mainly dusty now as old,
Ornamental storage star.
Rugged, rusty, ragged, tossed,
Inventory of the years,
Eloquent in silent tome,
Steerage for all of my fears.

line count: 15
poetry form: iambic tetrameter, forming a septet & octave, respectively
prompt number: 6 (February 6th, 2026)

by Jay O’Toole
on February 21st, 2026