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

[Stella Armour]

All life goes full circle, it is the way of things.
We have to face the grief of death knowing that it makes way for new life to begin, and in that mindset grief becomes more bearable .
I did like the comparison of the life of those leaves already spent brushing a new path for those that will come after.
Love can come anew sometimes, but when the light goes out we have a choice thankfully whether to allow new growth or just enjoy our own solitude.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Stella, I love the thoughts you have left here after reading my Ghosts of the Past poem. It's always a delight to read how my lines are interpreted by my readers. Thank you for the visit.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

fantastic poem ..so original on a cyclical and eternal theme .. i absolutely think the tree broom is brilliant!! BRILLIANT i say!! ;) i am especially put in the scene with the chill outside and the protection inside ... and my heart sores with the freedom of release from pain and loss ... with added strength for having endured without bitterness .. love this my friend! great positive read on Fall and love lost ... brilliant is say! :)))
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Your review which is so generous Mr E. You put a wide smile on my face this afternoon and I thank you for that.

Chris

[Eilis]

I love the combination of vulnerability and strength in this, Chris. The defiance and power of the final line rings above the rooftops in my mind.

The sense of release when we are finally able to let go of something or someone (the memory) after it’s had a hold on us for so long is almost like being reborn.

That’s kind of what I sensed here. And the contrast of the dying of the old season as the new one inside emerges is fantastic. It’s a beautiful and empowering poem. I’m glad to read it today.

[Chris Shaw]

Love your thoughts on this poem Eilis and I am truly thankful for your time and visit. All good wishes.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

So much powerful symbolism in this majestic poem dear Chris. How you weave the past in lieu of the present season and nature. The cold past perhaps vs the warmth of the indoors and its comforts. The blooming then falling of the leaves. Very touchy and personable. I love it.

[Chris Shaw]

Sami it is a delight to receive this review from you. So thankful for your thoughts. May thank yous and all good wishes.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

Same to you. Muchly welcome...

[John Alexander McFadyen]

There is a deep hurt in this one Chris. A defiance and a determination to survive but the wounds still superate through the bandage of healing time. A nicely descriptive piece that transports the reader to the calm warmth of your room.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks John for your understanding review.

Chris

[light and ashes]

Beautifully concealed sentiments beneath the cover of fall. Elegant and ends in strength.

[Chris Shaw]

Angeline,, your visit and review received with much appreciation. Thank you.

Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Oops, sorry for typo. I meant angelink

[light and ashes]

♥️lol it's ok, you're welcome

[drew garner]

Being seduced by destiny has its pleasures. The iniquity seldom finds a way to coalesce into a narative but still we are funneled to towards a point of no return even if that is only how it is seen from the inside.

[Chris Shaw]

Your thoughts appreciated on this piece drew garner. Many thank yous.

Chris

[R.E. Ray]

Chris, I imagine this scene, perhaps coffee or tea in hand, eyes gazing through glass panes, seeing the world from inside out and then deeply introspective. We need moments like you've described here, to reflect on the past, the present and the future we desire. The last few words... "I am... mistress of my own destiny.." speaks pain but growth and strength. "Ghosts of the Past" is my new favorite from you.

[Chris Shaw]

Always good to receive a review from you Robert and delighted that this poem I have written becomes a favourite from my efforts. All good wishes.

Chris

[Carola]

wow, beautiful words & so well written !
as time goes by the ghosts ought to become fainter in your mind, & eventually become so transparent as to blend in & completely disappear, superseded by other thoughts & emotions.

cheerio carola

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Carola. Lovely to have a visit from you. Many thanks for checking in and leaving your sage advice. All good wishes.

Chris

[Lorry]

In silent contemplation, the ghosts are the loudest voice within us. Finding that elusive clarity to let them go is what our minds struggle with, but once those tethers are broken, we can never be free to be the us we should have been without them.
I know this sounds oh so wise, but it is a new found talent to me. Once we can let go of all those whys and hows, we can begin to move forward once more... Older, wiser and happier.
It also helps that i run a mile now when i see someone smile in my direction. Fool me 3076 times, shame on you, fool me 3077 and im finally gonna figure you out 😀 i may be slow, but i got there eventually.
Enjoy the stillness Chris, knowing they are no longer there to tell you not to.

[Chris Shaw]

Yes Lorry, the stillness and the quiet, brings them back. And the good intentions of dismissing them and saying they are of no consequence, lasts all of ten minutes. I don't see you as a person easily fooled Lorry:).Have a lovely day. Sun's out down here.

Chris

[Lorry]

Not any more. I have found the answer, i listen to mulder... Trust no one 😀

... Except you of course.

[Chris Shaw]

Ha ha. That must be because you know I have black jacks and fruit salads:)))

[Lorry]

I got a quarter of rhubarb n custards last weekend and a quarter of lemon drops. I was instantly transferred back to 1978 😀

[Chris Shaw]

Innit luvverly when they are weighed and put in a little paper bag. Swop you a blackjack for a rhubarb and custard :))

[Lorry]

Okay. I also have original flumps and strawberry creams. (well, the shop is 12 miles away) it has become a day out for us, thats how much there is to do up here 😀

[Chris Shaw]

Now you got me. I'm obviously talkinhg to a confectionary expert.What is a original flump?

[Lorry]

3 times the size of the ones they sell these days. 😀

[Chris Shaw]

Bet you got them displayed like an ornament on a shelf, in a dusty old tin or summat :) Then when you have visitors you can say "fings ain't what they used to be" :)

[Lorry]

I saw the size of yorkie bars too. Remember when there slogan was not for women? They are teeny now. Blah 😀

[Chris Shaw]

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