it does not haunt

I screamed until my throat burned -

tired from the bitterness,

I gathered dandelions and ashes and

burned them all and bargained with

the universe to curse, curse, curse you.

still, it did not haunt.

I wove you cascades of silk and twine, 

hoping to trap you in an everlasting world

where the days never passed, and

all you had to do was stay.

still, it did not haunt.

I wrote you stories, of wise kings,

magical beings, and when that dulled,

I asked questions about everything that mattered,

your favourite drink, your favourite memory,

where are you going? where are you going?

I sometimes wonder, if I had finally

become the ghost that lingered every time

you passed the toy bears on display,

or heard a lone busker playing my melody,

saw it in the eyes of a barista, maybe,

who has the same silent pride that lived in me?

or if you had forgot altogether.

I do not think that is the case,

despite all my efforts, I remain un-haunted,

I cannot remember the cadence in your voice,

the gait of your walk, even your face,

it will not haunt me, no matter how hard I try.

I cannot make a ghost out of someone 

I do not know.

Reviews

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

These words are haunting and stay with the reader afterwards. I feel because of their relevance and relatability to each heart that knows of love. This is a passionate write, Elle. Thank you for sharing your poetic art with us.

[Elle]

ah thanks so much!!!