The Ghost Of You

The shadows shifted on the wall

in the fade of the afternoon.

The heat turned time into a trawl

and my flesh into a cocoon.

 

The pearls circled my neck around.

The smell of rain flooded the room.

Woodlarks warbled a lu-lu-lu sound,

and honeysuckles were in bloom.

 

You left this morning on the train,

the scent of longing left behind.

A parting kiss and lipstick stain

are remnants and traces that bind.

 

I wait by the heirloom windows

that have seen you a thousand times

and drown myself in the pillows

that have cradled our carnal crimes.

 

I close my eyes and remember

the press of your lips to my skin.

The ghost of you is so tender,

I want to be haunted again.

Author's Note

Reviews

[1809 Black Plague Decem..]

Hellos, I like the rhythm of your poem,
I can almost hear your voice of a poet,
love the piano estense,
very romantic, and I love the story behind,
a tragedy for her, because she leaves,
I would not bare be without the one in my heart to leave,
---1809 Black Plague December

[Kelly Scheppers]

That closing verse has been haunting me ever since I read this earlier this morning. Such a vintage feel to this one, Linda. I feel like a broken record whenever I compliment you. You're such an extraordinary writer, and everything you write is nothing short of that. And the photography...wherever do you find such art? It's amazing!

[Betty Hermelee]

This is so heartfelt... sad in a way as well... a man who cheats with obvious marks is a womanizing man, and a cheater; nevertheless, you still love him, even his ghost....wishing he was here in heart with you. The rhyme is stunning and your choice of words is excellent....the music really suits this piece, kind of droning on....as you drown you feelings in a pillow.....
Loved it!
Best, B

[emmajoygreen]

There are poems, music and illustrations that curl the toes and warm the heart one at a time a time a time but.. when they appear as a beautiful triptych as yours have here, it is breath-taking, Linda, absolutely. breath-taking. Love is more than .. start to finish.

[Patricia Wedel]

Your poetry has captured Romance in a secret sensual dance
that is forever part of being vulnerable. gently, Pat

[John the Baptist]

This is a poem about a parting, but it doesn't seem to be one of those bitter endings about which so much poetry has been written. Either it was an amicable separation or the other had to leave due to circumstances. Whatever, the speaker is mourning the loss of what has apparently been a long and satisfying relationship. I don't perceive a state of devastation, only a desire that what has gone, if only temporarily, could be restored once more.

[willweb]

"I want to be haunted again " Now that was a haunting that really sparks the spirit. Sigh, this takes my breath away. To love someone like that, to feel their presence when you are alone. This is a poem that dreams are made of.

[Relic]

Title reminded m of psychedelic furs. This poem plus the music gives it such a romantic vibe. The pic also adds to the feeling. Great writing.

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

Thank you so much, Relic.

[Ken Simm.]

I can see this beautiful image laden poem written in long hand in an old journal. Exquisite piece.

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

Well, hello, Ken. I have wondered where you were. I hope that you are doing well. In so far as this poem being written in long hand in an old journal, all of my poems are written thus. I have volumes of handwritten, leather-bound journals filled with my poems. I often wonder what will become of them once I'm gone.