Ghosts Of The Past

Only my own random thoughts

speak to me with soft clarity

in this room's afternoon silence,

in the comfort of the present.

While window glass, glazed and clean

protects my ears from hearing

a south westerly wind whip up

a fury in green leaves.

Clinging valiantly to brushwood of

silver birch, they sweep the sky clean,

in the same way I have swept

you to the vaults of memory.

Soon, every leaf on this tree will depart,

and though it saddens me to see,

it is of no real consequence.

It is temporary for they will return.

My heart no longer yearns for the

candle of you, you are extinguished.

Your flame flickers no more and I am

mistress of my own destiny.

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

It is curious how random thoughts and sights can transport us rapidly to the past. In this offering the sight of the leaves of a birch tree struggling to cling to the limbs in the face of a strong wind. The leaves themselves can be symbols of life's passing, for they fall every year, just as we must fall eventually. The difference here is that the leaves in their struggle seem to be sweeping the sky, just as the speaker has swept someone once close, now departed, from memory. The last verse indicates the grief process has been completed. The departed one must have been either a parent or a spouse, and a supportive one at that.

[Chris Shaw]

It is always so interesting to read interpretations of my work by other poets. I truly appreciate yours here John and I thank you for the read and response. All good wishes.

Chris

[Robert Trakofler]

Wow Chris, this is at once sad and at the same time very empowering! The subject be it a season or a soul or both most surely flutters at your cast lines in the fade away :) but the hint of the promise of the new to come leaves a nice exclamation point to this write:)

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Bunny, thank you for your valued thoughts. Always so good to receive a Bunny review. Have a lovely day.

Chris

[kentuck14]

You are most blessed . . . for unlike so many, you find comfort in the present! The speaker's memories are locked away . . . no longer troublesome . . . I enjoyed the extended metaphor of the wind-swept season of Fall sweeping away these memories.
T

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for this lovely review Tom. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[DIVYA]

A poem that stands out for its simple and strong message, Chris. Everything is passing. What is lost by way of romance is gained by way of empowerment. I love the analogy of those leaves being so valiant in the fury of the wind. A very powerful and uplifting read for me.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks DIVYA. So pleased you enjoyed this poem. All good wishes.

Chris

[Mrudula Rani]

Spring follows every autumn and crafts life once more and thrives ...we should follow Mother Nature in her management methods and discard the memories that no longer renovate our heart. Taking charge of destiny empowers a soul and makes one strong and durable.A beautiful and very positive message you impart in your resolute poem, dear Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Your review is delightful Mrudula and is most welcome. All good wishes.

Chris

[lightsong]

my dear Chris, after reading this, I don't wish to speak, just to keep dwelling there with You in Your present solitude and meditation,this is beautiful, beautiful in that ethereal way, diving deep behind the words to the pureness of senses, as You did to mine from even Your marvelous brilliant first verse, You are deeply wise, deeply aware, Your spirit has developed into a higher state when only peace, kindness and calm flowing form it, as they flowing with serenity from Your page. I love this one, so much so...

[Chris Shaw]

I am blushing dear Light after reading your wonderfully generous review. It pleases me no end that you connected to this write in a spiritual way. All good wishes.

Chris

[Relic]

I guess all things must change eventually. And some things must be forgotten in order to move on.

A lovely write, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tim. With hindsight we learn and move on. All good wishes

Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tim. With hindsight we learn and move on. All good wishes

Chris

[andrew mitchell]

A lovely write Chris eloquently expressed, really nice!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Andrew for your encouraging review. All the best.

Chris

[Kent Rawski]

And i think to myself how many lives do we live within ourselves

[Chris Shaw]

Quite a few Kent I would think over the years. Thanks for checking in.

Chris

[Fay Slimm]

Strong and powerful words to describe past hurtful happenings Chris - - I like the comparison you made to a south-westerly cleaning up debris and sweeping horizons clear again. A fine way of moving on and completing the way toward facing new destiny.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Fay for your visit and your encouraging words. Always good to receive your thoughts on my humble offetkngs

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... the candle of you is extinguished...
the leaves that fall are resting in a pile of possibilities...
to be swept up and sprinkled in my thoughts as
one clings against my breast as an omen of Spring..
your poem is soft and beautiful... truly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat your responses are so incredibly poetic. A real treat. I thank you so much for your visit.

Chris