Ghosts Of The Past

Ghosts Of The Past

A Poem by Chris Shaw

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.

© 2019 Chris Shaw


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Featured Review

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.

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

It is always so interesting to read interpretations of my work by other poets. I truly appreciate yo.. read more



Reviews

This is beautiful. The thing about ghosts of the past, they always come back. Their presence may not always be as constant; but they are always there, crouched in shadowed silence, waiting to appear.

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

Many thanks Linda Marie for your encouragement. Your visits both welcome and appreciated. Always int.. read more
love the parallel made between memories and leaves that cling...when the heart wants to shed them. And a great last line...
these new pieces from you got pushed down my page so fast i missed them first time around...
now onto the others...love this one.

j.

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

Thank you Jacob. Pleased you enjoyed this one and that you also appreciated the final line.
<.. read more
With fallen leaves everywhere and with the winds we are experiencing, your words are timely. Excellent stuff as usual!

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

Many thanks Augustus. It is certainly a blustery day today. As I write I can still see the brushwood.. read more
What a beautiful rendition of memories that have finally been put to rest. Best yet the promise that they will not tarnish the possibilities of a brighter future.
Take care - Dave

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

Thank you Dave for your lovely review and interpretation of these lines. Most welcome.

.. read more
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.

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

It is always so interesting to read interpretations of my work by other poets. I truly appreciate yo.. read more
Our memory is I think, a little like the rebirth season of Spring; eternal, and though we may wish for a clean sweep, the resurgent imprint of memory is as indelible and inevitable as the season.

Much enjoyed this.

Beccy.

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

I think you are right Beccy. A clean sweep is highly unlikely, even though we may wish fot it. Thank.. read more
gone but not forgotten, Chris, only the ghost of the chains remain,

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

Thank you gram. Pleased you checked in. Gone but not forgotten.

Chris
A sorry situation although some things must be laid away
It is reassuring that nature will so assuredly continue on in it's cycles
sounds sad
Hope ll is well

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

All is good Dave. Sad but only in the moment. Thank you for your visit.

Chris
Very nice poem. I often wonder about my old aquiantances.

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

Thank you JungLee. I think we all ponder on past friends, family and acquaintances. All good wishes... read more
NotUsinganymore

5 Years Ago

Thank you very much.

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Added on October 25, 2019
Last Updated on October 25, 2019

Author

Chris Shaw
Chris Shaw

Berkshire, United Kingdom



About
Albert, my paternal grandfather introduced me to Tennyson when I was nine. I have loved poetry ever since but did not attempt writing a single piece until I was 40. It's never too late to try somethin.. more..

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