THE SHADOW OF MADNESS

A shadow moved across the wall

I know it did, I saw it clearly

It moved with that sultry grace

I saw a thousand times in you.

I heard humming from the garden

I know I did, I’m not deaf

A favorite song, so long held mute

Heard only in the backyard of my mind.

 

I smelled perfume, I forget its name

But it lingered throughout the night

And touched my pillow; the haunting scent

From the empty place beside me.

I heard whispers, gentle like breezes

That somehow repeated my name

And I answered with no one to hear

And yet �" I believed you did.

 

I heard footsteps and a closing door

And drank coffee and brittle toast

Waiting for you to exit the bathroom

In the doldrums of my longings.

And there were two plates on the table

Two glasses and silverware

And the shadows, whispers and scents

Were all witnesses of my madness.

Reviews

[J.P. Bristow]

Dolour claws and has left us frog bitten. Calliope and Erato whispered as Melpomene danced in your dark.

True love is indeed epic.

[DrD]

You're most kind and deeply appreciated.

[escherflight]

You capture the 'doldrums of longing' so romantically here. Beautifully done.

[DrD]

Thank you for visiting and I hope you return soon.

[Im His Daughter]

When you love someone so much & they aren't around you begin to go a little crazy without them. Wishing they were there, wishing you could see them one last time. Creating them being there in your mind to ease the pain.. I know all about missing someone... great imagry in this.

[DrD]

Thanks IHD, You're right, there is a touc of madness in what lonliness inspires.

[Tina Kline]

The terrible pain of missing someone. It doesn't mean madness but it can drive a person to feel that way. Impressive work here!

[DrD]

Thanks Tina. And sometimes it is its own particular kind of madness.

[Kelly Scheppers]

The closing of a poem should leave the reader wanting more. It should snare our attention...and this does just that!

[DrD]

Thanksagain. I'm so glad to see you here and you leave such kind words behind.

[J. J. Nightingale]

longings that take us captive
maybe not madness
just a vacation
from our grief..

I was there..and now I am there again

Good write David..♥

[DrD]

Thanks Jazz. A kind woman leaving kind words. Something great is waiting to happen, you'll see.

[J. J. Nightingale]

I'm counting on THAT ........and You are welcome............

[jacob erin-cilberto]

wow, i felt the presence...often they never really leave us...and although we might think we are mad, and imagining...are we?

i was swept up by this write...reminded me of the movie "the uninvited" from 1944 with Ray Milland...

although not so sure this ghost is uninvited...

nicely done, Dave.

jacob

[DrD]

Thank you very much JACOB. See, I got it right this time. It was just Frieda sending her mojo forcing me to think of her. She's like that.

[Frieda P]

Or Mexican Madness, did you eat that worm doc?..........

[DrD]

No, did you?

[Frieda P]

Just a nibble, but I think it had lasting effects. haha

[Frieda P]

The memories linger on and on, I felt this one Dave...I was going to call you Ralph but this put compassion in my heart. :-)

[DrD]

I appreciate it very much Jacob. I mean Pryde. I mean . . . .

[Frieda P]

Where's that fab girlfriend of yours , I'd rather talk to her....I took my pic down so you can't draw a beard on my face ha ;-)