Swallow The Light On The Stairs

Swallow the light on the stairs

So many times I have lain

with the empty space in the bed

growing cold;

the light in my heart still ablaze,

feeling lonely and wishing

you home.

I’ve pictured your face,

the places we’ve lain,

and the music we shared

making love by the fire.

I’ve looked at your photographs,

now in the drawer

fading away,

as I silently bleed.

I’ve sat alone at the table,

no laughter nor words,

the food of our love

on a cold empty plate.

 

I’ve cherished the bedding

in which we once lay,

kept it warmed every night

just for you.

I've looked after myself,

kept myself trim,

just in case

I am still your desire.

And if you came to the door

I’d be there for you,

waiting to kiss

and give you my heart.

 

But in reality's glare

I know it is over,  

too late,

to swallow the light.

 

14/08/14

Author's Note

Reviews

[Leslie Philibert]

Like this too, this has a strong central image...

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you again Leslie. This was a departure from some of my writing as I was constrained trying to use images from the lyrics of the song by Janis Ian.

[just Penny]

The sense of loss and emptiness is overwhelming throughout. You write with a raw sensitivity that is a pleasure to read. Very nice write :) Penny

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Penny

[Kelly Scheppers]

I cannot tell you how deeply this touched me, John! And this is the same song I was referring to by Roberta Flack. The instrumentation on both versions is so beautiful! Your words just take me to another place and time...the way the reading of a poem, should!

Amazing!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you so much Kelly! I wrote this after reading the lyrics and the title is an excert from the lyrics. I like the Janis Ian version best.

[Kayleigh]

A heartbreaking poem, John. You've touched my heart with this one. Such a moving poem.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Kayleigh

[R Smith]

such a sad poem, but so beautiful too, was a pleasure to read John, lovely work, think its one for my library thank you.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Richard

[Dee]

I ended up reading the final lines through blurred eyes..so emotional, so real and so sad John.. and yes...Beautifully written with amazing imagery from your chosen words...Yet another that touched me so very deeply.....Dee.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Dee

[Lyn Anderson]

This is so heartbreaking, and beautiful, and moving. You do this so well, and it makes me sad.
P.S. reality's glare, not realities

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Hey cheers 'M'

[Ti]

I love this poem.
Very emotional, true words, which are filled with passion and love through your pen, then creating this poem, forming a true piece of art.
Thank you for sharing John, this poem really made me feel at a loss for words, and made me feel so emotional, this conveys just how precious love is. :)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Summer

[Ti]

Your welcome ^.^

[Frieda P]

An ache slowly dripping down your page like tears John, such a perfect song too, makes my heart feel too heavy to bear.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

No.... don't go.............................................!

[AprilRN1210]

This one tugs on the heartstrings with beautiful sadness.. speaks to my heart and makes me want to give you a big ((hug))... whispers of longing and hope... bittersweet and moving...

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you April...................

[Botania]

Hmm. Then when you open your mouth the light's emitted