The Path Through Time

Looking back favorably on years that have passed.

The Path Through Time

What path lies barren

near the weathered oak,

near the graveyard

where the old church stands,

whose organ music

filled the inner walls,

in days of old,

when people gathered there?

What rustic path

leads me to the cabin,

whose logs are aged

and laden with fresh snow,

whose battered door

still hangs with rusted nails,

whose lamppost stands

within a loose support?

What rock-strewn path

leads my feet to wander

through dreary, dusty halls,

and lifeless rooms,

where loosened planks

shriek the wind's outrage,

and cobwebs fill

such placid emptiness?

When life deals a blow

too great to bear,

I journey to this god-forsaken place,

consume the peace

within her hollow walls,

then drink the music

of a gentler time.

Reviews

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed when we are faced with adversity to look back is often an antidote to suffering. This sadly well described meander through paths once trodden leaves the reader in no doubt about the poignancy of the pain.

[Tamara Beryl Latham]

Thank you, John. You have certainly introduced your insight, specifically the words of wisdom that detail the subject of the poem.

I've been offline for a while, but will look over your poetry when I get some time. :-)

[Einstein Noodle]

love the pathways and the journey your poem takes me on ..the past so clearly the past ... and gone .. silent and empty when one tries to go back .. it is never the same in the old neighborhood is it!? ;) the contrast in your closing leaves me uplifted and all my pleasant memories come flooding in .. a very good place to spend time in when the present becomes the grey in life .. instead of the past ... love the story telling quality .. easy easy flow and pace for me!
E.

[Tamara Beryl Latham]

Thanks for a fine critique, Einstein Noodle. I've not been well, therefore, I must limit my time on the internet. Thanks again. :-)

[Einstein Noodle]

i am sorry to hear that Tamara ... saying my prayer for you to heal quickly and completely .. might as well go for broke eh!? peace and comfort

[Paul Bell]

There is something peaceful about conversing with the dead.
You can usually get your point of view over without the usual retort.
But most of the time, the answer you're looking for is back in time with the great thinkers.
(Or the Greeks as my teacher kept re-telling me. Still visit him.)

[Tamara Beryl Latham]

Yes, Paul, you speak truth. I find the past (at least from my perspective) was a happier and less time. I really miss those days. :-)

[wordman]

it seems we always want to go back in time

[Tamara Beryl Latham]

Perhaps because living in the present is too painful. Who knows? Thanks for reading and replying. :)

[wordman]

you`re welcome

[.]

Reminiscing on those days of youth and exuberance. Something we all do as we move steadily into our twilight.

We all have a place in our mind and heart that we tend to revisit when our current life is unfulfilling and we feel the need to muse on the days of our youth. These places may wither physically with the passing of time but our memories of our days spent there always remain potent within ourselves. Sometimes revisiting such places brings a smile to our face and gives us a sense of clarity for whatever may be troubling our present.

I enjoyed your walk down memory lane. Very descriptive and well written, as always.

[Tamara Beryl Latham]

Thanks Doodley.

You wrote: "Sometimes revisiting such places brings a smile to our face and gives us a sense of clarity for whatever may be troubling our present."

My reply: Even if the "present" is troubling our present? :)

[¿]

What I feel after reading this poem I can't describe that in words of course....more than relatable with my life....a proper and perfect view of your flashback...thanks for sharing this one,.....Almighty’s grace be upon you sweetheart.❤

[Tamara Beryl Latham]

Thank you so much Tahsin. It was so nice of you to stop by and offer your own thoughts. :)

[Amanda Moubarak]

waw i love this! nice job! thumbs up

[Tamara Beryl Latham]

Thanks, Amanda. I appreciate your feedback. :)

[Chris Shaw]

When the going gets tough you have your own place to travel to in your thoughts. A place of safety, a place where you can linger and escape for a while. I have those places as well. In the safety of my childhood with my four siblings, mum and dad. I love your poem, it resonates with me. Thank you for sharing your special retreat Tamara.

Chris

[Tamara Beryl Latham]

You're so welcome Chris and thank you for reading and offering feedback. It's nice that you and I both have a retreat that we can enjoy. :)

[Neville]

Let me know how ya feel in three decades time & I shall gladly whisper the tune first penned an eon ago...words enjoyed and quite writely so... Neville

[Tamara Beryl Latham]

I would let you know, but I doubt I will be here Neville. :)

[Neville]

now that would be a shame... but if you are, then maybe..

[Tamara Beryl Latham]

Let's hope. :)

[Neville]

............... :)

[Coyote Poetry]

I enjoyed the journey with you Tamara. You led the reader to a logical ending. The gentler time, always a pleasure place to visit. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Tamara Beryl Latham]

Thank you for reading and offering feedback. I miss those days. :)

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome Tamara.