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

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

This is beautiful. The thing about ghosts of the past, they always come back. Their presence may not always be as constant; but they are always there, crouched in shadowed silence, waiting to appear.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Linda Marie for your encouragement. Your visits both welcome and appreciated. Always interested in your thoughts.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

love the parallel made between memories and leaves that cling...when the heart wants to shed them. And a great last line...
these new pieces from you got pushed down my page so fast i missed them first time around...
now onto the others...love this one.

j.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jacob. Pleased you enjoyed this one and that you also appreciated the final line.

Chris

[augustus]

With fallen leaves everywhere and with the winds we are experiencing, your words are timely. Excellent stuff as usual!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Augustus. It is certainly a blustery day today. As I write I can still see the brushwood swinging backwards and forth, doing its best to rid itself of leaves. Have a lovely weekend. I appreciate your visits very much.

Chris

[Dave]

What a beautiful rendition of memories that have finally been put to rest. Best yet the promise that they will not tarnish the possibilities of a brighter future.
Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dave for your lovely review and interpretation of these lines. Most welcome.

Chris

[Beccy]

Our memory is I think, a little like the rebirth season of Spring; eternal, and though we may wish for a clean sweep, the resurgent imprint of memory is as indelible and inevitable as the season.

Much enjoyed this.

Beccy.

[Chris Shaw]

I think you are right Beccy. A clean sweep is highly unlikely, even though we may wish fot it. Thank you so much for your visits. Always appreciated.

Chris

[gram linski]

gone but not forgotten, Chris, only the ghost of the chains remain,

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you gram. Pleased you checked in. Gone but not forgotten.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

A sorry situation although some things must be laid away
It is reassuring that nature will so assuredly continue on in it's cycles
sounds sad
Hope ll is well

[Chris Shaw]

All is good Dave. Sad but only in the moment. Thank you for your visit.

Chris

[NotUsinganymore]

Very nice poem. I often wonder about my old aquiantances.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you JungLee. I think we all ponder on past friends, family and acquaintances. All good wishes.

Chris

[NotUsinganymore]

Thank you very much.