The Sleepy Hollow.

 

The day innocence disappeared
As life was created down by the sleepy hollow
The days of great sayings
Children bringing up children
We did okay for a time
Sadly maturity does what it always does
Brings new horizons
Sets new goals
We were okay about it
Others weren’t
Maybe they couldn’t see beyond the hill
Time moved on, and the bond was broken
Years later, you found your soulmate
A second child was born
I found out later, a girl
I was leading my life
So in a way, it wasn’t my business
Just made it more final  in a way
I agreed you should take full custody
It was the right thing to do
Upset some
But it was always me and you
I passed by the sleepy hollow
Maybe just to understand
It was wild and overgrowing
Pushing further to the road
Someday it would reach beyond the hill
Never looking back
I would be waiting.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

Paul, you danced on many memories and many places. I believe in old age. We seek things and we know. Can't be found no-more. I liked the ending.
"Never looking back
I would be waiting."
Thank you for sharing the amazing words and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Paul Bell]

Yeah sometimes the memories are all we can cling on to.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are right Paul. Memories. The poets and writers wealth.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

'The Sleepy Hollow'
Paul Bell,
Life is all about choices and that every day of our lives. Life is all about hope and the possibilities that tomorrow or the next breath will be better. Ongoing, minute by minute, where do our thoughts take us. Then life is about hope and living the best one can through the results, the lessons, the consequences and the positive glimmering times that make our hearts sing. Your poem was very real and raw and also kind of gentle in its look back on early time.
Bless you.
Kathy

[Paul Bell]

I suppose the past is never really that far away from us. Strange how the future shows you what you should have done. Hope 2020 is going well, Kathy.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Paul,
I desire to learn from life and to consider all that is real now as well. Yes you sure are right our lives do speak and whisper and remind of all experiences. Bless you much! Kathy

[Gypsy Warrior Queen]

I hear you read these poems you create, strange cause I do not know your voice, stranger cause I do not know what you look like, or even where your from or where you've been...it's calming though...even this one with a lumpy throat...a burning in the soul that can't be squashed. I think your the one with a talent for words...they are dark and bright...looking back, over that hill.

[Ana Papaya]

This one gets you right where it hurts. Beautifully written.

[Paul Bell]

Thanks Papaya.

[Ana Papaya]

You're welcome Paul. oo

[Valentine]

This hit a nerve as my nephew went through something like this, he was forced by the law to give up custody and has never got over the loss of his little girl. Valentine

[Paul Bell]

Someone always gets hurt.

[Tina Kline]

A nicely done poem. Powerful in its message. Life is never perfect, not like we'd like it to be. It's good, its bad and it is ugly and beautiful. We experience it all in its fine chaos.

[Paul Bell]

We sure do, and better for it.

[Tina Kline]

Yes, I do agree.

[barleygirl]

Well drawn portrait of how things can go from childhood innocence to a shitload of complications in just one passionate encounter down by sleepy hollow. Good job of showing how life goes on, half-siblings enter the picture, hard decisions are made, while bystanders throw in their unneeded two cents worth. So many true-to-life aspects of this journey are laid out so gently & non-judgmentally, just honoring the ups & downs & owning the decisions with a deep-down sense of longing . . . for many other possibilities . . . for our youthful innocence, for oh-so-many things . . .

[Paul Bell]

So true. You never know where life will take you.

[Lorry]

Children bringing up children...We live and we learn Paul, but managing to do the right thing doesn't come to us all. There are kids bringing up kids today, who are more grown up than I will ever imagine myself being. Great write, honest and open words.

[Paul Bell]

Thanks Nemo

[aLittlePain]

Beautiful write Paul, I appreciate the emotion and honesty! R xo

[Paul Bell]

Thanks Rach.

[Ted Kniffen]

Yes, hard to tell where life will lead us and with whom we'll share the memories. Not all youthful loves last and not all youthful indiscretions are without value. Something good came out of this. A good write

[Paul Bell]

Thanks Ted.