Ghosts Of The Past

Only my own random thoughts

speak to me with soft clarity

in this room's afternoon silence,

in the comfort of the present.

While window glass, glazed and clean

protects my ears from hearing

a south westerly wind whip up

a fury in green leaves.

Clinging valiantly to brushwood of

silver birch, they sweep the sky clean,

in the same way I have swept

you to the vaults of memory.

Soon, every leaf on this tree will depart,

and though it saddens me to see,

it is of no real consequence.

It is temporary for they will return.

My heart no longer yearns for the

candle of you, you are extinguished.

Your flame flickers no more and I am

mistress of my own destiny.

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

It is curious how random thoughts and sights can transport us rapidly to the past. In this offering the sight of the leaves of a birch tree struggling to cling to the limbs in the face of a strong wind. The leaves themselves can be symbols of life's passing, for they fall every year, just as we must fall eventually. The difference here is that the leaves in their struggle seem to be sweeping the sky, just as the speaker has swept someone once close, now departed, from memory. The last verse indicates the grief process has been completed. The departed one must have been either a parent or a spouse, and a supportive one at that.

[Chris Shaw]

It is always so interesting to read interpretations of my work by other poets. I truly appreciate yours here John and I thank you for the read and response. All good wishes.

Chris

[Neville]

should I fear for the one who inspired these words .. I think not .. we all have such a someone perhaps .. in our histories somewhere and it is good to know those old wounds eventually heal .. I am glad I found these fine words Chris, even though it took me some time to get here .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

I thank you Neville for giving this old poem from the archives an airing. It!s good to let them breathe once in a while. Have a very happy Thursday.

Chris

[Neville]

As always, my pleasure entirely .. and as ever it shall be .. Neville

[wordman]

well you are sitting in a comfortable chair in the den thinking back on someone in the past,and it is easier now since time has moved on

[Chris Shaw]

I am so sorry not to have thanked you
when I posted this poem, three years ago.

read moreI am so sorry not to have thanked you
when I posted this poem, three years ago.

Chris

[Nicole]

I love the powerful last line..."I am mistress of my own destiny". This poem reminds me that seasons of life will keep changing no matter what we do. And where I might find despair now, will bring hope later. I really loved reading this piece. Thank you for sharing it. xo

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Nicole, I appreciate your visit and your lovely review. Thank you so much.

Chris

[Samael]

Nostalgia, longing, and regret. My three biggest emotions. And you tackle them all in this poem. Being alone in your mind can be a vast experience, or claustrophobia

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Samael for your thoughts. Your visit most appreciated. All good wishes.

Chris

[alanwgraham]

This poetic blending in the mind of nature and thought is very accomplished Chris. It works well with the antithesis of the leaves returning and love departed.
Take care,
Alan

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased you enjoyed this one Alan. Thanks for your visit and all good wishes winging their way to you.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

Imagery in HD.
A richly metaphorical, deeply perceptive introspection.
Gratifying to read, good poetess!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Jimmy for your encouraging review. Much appreciated.

Chris

[barleygirl]

I just love this SO MUCH! We've had this blustery wind lately & I can't think of a better way to write about the wind -- as sweeping things from the mind, the memory, etc. I wish I woulda thought of that! *wink! wink!* Having lived in a valley like a natural funnel, I grew to hate the relentless wind of summers there. You couldn't have expressed my distaste for hard steady wind better than this! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Margie, I am no fan of strong winds myself although they are good for blowing the cobwebs away. Thank you for calling on this poem of mine and leaving your thoughts. Most appreciated.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Hard to do dear Chris. But we must.
"My heart no longer yearns for the
candle of you, you are extinguished.
Your flame flickers no more and I am
mistress of my own destiny."
The above lines. All of us must learn. Thank you dear Chris for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Coyote, many thank yous for leaving your thoughts on these words. Your visits always greatly appreciated All good wishes my friend.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Always my pleasure dear Chris and you are welcome.

[Benita-Staebell M - Kin..]

In the comfort of solitude and
silence she's quiet peaceful in
life.

Only my own random thoughts
speak to me with soft clarity
in this room's afternoon silence,
in the comfort of the present.


Being in control of
our life and freedom
is a very empowered
great lively feeling.

My heart no longer yearns for the
candle of you, you are extinguished.
Your flame flickers no more and I am
mistress of my own destiny.



Such a powerful
piece full of freedom
And life.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Benita, thank you for taking the time to review these words of mine. Your thoughts always welcome dear poet. All good wishes.

Chris