ONLY A MEMORY

What was, what is....

Out of the dark shadows of desolation

a glimmer of light brings a sense of purpose to life

to forget when time was irrelevant

only essentials mattered, survival

merely dismal daytime dragged on

until the sun went to sleep

so did we, candles flickering

 

Until, one day, lights emerged

and we knew there was hope

clocks blinked to confusion

our sense of time restored

the fury only a frightening memory

 

From green mountains to chaotic big city existence

where an abstraction of lifestyle

rages to its own beat

no clocks here

twenty-four hours of movement

bikers delivering food

people walking shoulder to shoulder

taxis swerving in and out of stalled traffic

horns honking day and night

police cars light swirling

merriment seems to flourish

we have come to be temporary city dwellers

our mountain friends scattered for safety and comfort

the impulse to return to those green mountains

Will depend upon our inner strength and indulgent

memories of what was

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

Thank you for reading!

Reviews

[Sunflower/Sara Kendrick]

Whoa!! I hope not you having to change your place of residence because of the recent happening in North Carolina and Tennessee. It is so tragic for those who are affected. So many deaths, still people missing and it will take so long to restore the area's damage. If it is you and your family that has been affected, I will be remembering you. Sara K

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so much Sunflower, a very passionate comment and much appreciated... we are safe and away from NC for a while...
Warmly, B

[Sunflower/Sara Kendrick]

So glad you are safe and away. Are you planning on rebuilding? Sara

[Coyote Poetry]

Hello dear Betty. I still wander to the country, the forest and the Great lake in Michigan. It is sad when we become prisoners of the city, of a tired life. I live far-away from the city. But the cars are everywhere making noise. I hope you are doing well and enjoying the days of Halloween. Thank you dear friend for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you John...we escaped the chaos in NC...a bad memory...your review very welcomed!
Warmly, B

[Dara]

Dear Betty,
I just now remembered you are from Black Mountain. I hope you did not experience too much damage. Your poem is simply stunning and touches the heart deeply. You must feel absolutely devastated. Please let me know how you are doing. I have been feeling quite helpless as to how I can help, besides donating money and food. I did find out where people are volunteering in Spruce Pine. It might be a start for someone like me. Take care!

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear Dara
thank you for that very kind comment, there are many volunteers there now, i think FEMA might still be there……what left is dirty water which you cannot bathe in nor use for dishes….but most of us have power back and some have internet🙏
Warmly, B🌷