Voice in the Wind

I could hear her whispering under the trees

Whenever the breeze crept in through the pines,

And then when the Moon rose out of the sea

It soughed and it sifted out from the vines,

I’d stop and I’d listen, straining to hear

What the voice would sigh in the bright green sedge,

‘Ah me!’ it started, then faded away,

Went searching for dreams at the water’s edge.

 

I’d follow it down through the rocks and pools

As the tide swept in, and over my feet,

Down where the crabs and the lobsters ruled

A ledge that was straddled by Neptune’s seat.

The tremulous voice in the runnels there

Was inarticulate, ravaged with pain,

But the breakers crashed, and they drowned it out

When I called for the creature’s name, in vain.

 

But back in the shack on that lonely shore

Where I’d fled to, after the accident,

And lying awake I could hear the roar

Of the crash, the train where the tracks were bent,

And Jill was alive in my mind, alight

As she’d whispered, just as we overturned:

‘I want you to know that I’m yours tonight,

Though the stars have fallen, the heavens burned!’

 

Each morning I’d stare at the plaster wall

But thinking of nothing, my mind a blank,

I wouldn’t go anywhere else at all,

The funeral church had been dark and dank.

Her father had hated the sight of me,

The mother had blamed for her daughter’s life,

They’d pushed us together, couldn’t they see?

She hated them both and had paid the price!

 

My world is haunted by shades from the past

My future has limited time to play,

I hear a whisper arise from the sea

At the end of every gruelling day.

I hear the whisper and know it’s Jill,

Her spirit is free in the fading light,

I know what she’s saying, whispering still:

‘I want you to know that I’m yours tonight!’

 

David Lewis Paget

Reviews

[Arya Le Dasmones]

I absolutely love the way you introduce the subject of the poem, weaving it seamlessly into an ending that's just right. I love the rhythm, the message, the sorrow and the joy, the melancholy made beautiful. Thank you for sharing this inspiring poem!!!!

[Patricia B. Hepler]

Ditto to all the previous posts... Awesome poetry.

[eatmills]

Such guilt that will only drag you to ruins. I enjoy reading your work and feel inspired by you in my own.

Cheers.

[Lisa Ring]

This is slightly different for you but excellent as usual. More than any other writer, you take me away from myself and place me in the middle of your vision. I can feel the pain, the guilt, and the longing, and I can hear her voice too...

[Helen Crutchett]

Wonderfully told, a treasure read David. I loved this stanza:

".....I’d follow it down through the rocks and pools
As the tide swept in, and over my feet,
Down where the crabs and the lobsters ruled
A ledge that was straddled by Neptune’s seat.
The tremulous voice in the runnels there
Was inarticulate, ravaged with pain,
But the breakers crashed, and they drowned it out
When I called for the creature’s name, in vain."

I could smell the crashing sea, see the lobsters and crabs....Neptune's seat as plain as day. Beautiful visions, superb poem, a complete joy to read!

[Tomi]

Another exquisite piece of art, sad but charming.. Well done sir! thank you for sharing

[Leigh]

Wow this is very sad and haunting, I love your full descriptions and attention to detail

[Tate Morgan]

Though the stars have fallen, the heavens burned
that is brilliant The meter is different but read slowly this is a very rich tale.Oh how we lament some of the memories we hold onto I suppose we hold them because it is all we have left of a loved one.But to forget them would be as if they never existed .You wont have to worry your works will long outlast you .I hope we have you around for many a year to come.

[Pratik]

There is a music in those lines and even though the poem is a tragic tale of these two lovers, the sadness doesn't make the reader get stuck... on the contrary it carries you through the lines and at the same leaves you with a lingering feeling... that's the beauty of a true love poem.... I loved it sir! Regards to you always!

[Valentine]

Whew..this one hits home with me..I love this kind of poetry telling a story and you are one of the best at doing it,,I think this one goes into my favorites..Good one david..Love Katihe