The castle sits in the woods.
Memories fill its walls.
Echoes of laughter
vibrate the still air.
Whisps of smoke float
between the trees.
A transparent shadow
settles beside me,
with a tap on my shoulder,
a sigh in my ear.
With a wistful smile, I say,
“Goodbye, my love.
We’ll be together again soon.“
Frozen in place.
Dripping tears for centuries.
Memories of a lifetime.
Praying for salvation.
A frown for eternity.
Will her tears sprout
a garden for the dead?
THE DEAD GAME
Crystal chandelier of mine.
I love your sparkle and shine.
You bring back memories long gone
when life hadn’t been so far gone.
Remember the parties we used to host?
Fancy guests arriving from coast to coast.
Music and laughter were the rules of the day.
But now all that is left are the bills to pay.
Face forward
And never behind
To the world
We left behind.
Don’t look back.
Drive.
Face forward
To the future.
A beautiful couple.
Happy together.
Fun times.
Sad times.
Good memories.
New house.
Children.
Grandchildren.
Parties.
Funerals.
Happy together in life.
Happy together in death.
The moon is distant.
The stars keep their distance.
Trees and grass retreat from sight.
The ice caps recede daily.
Soon they will be memories
of the destruction, we have wrought.
splendiferoushoney: by Martin at hipydeus
The past calls.
A past filled with parties.
Balls held at the castle.
Dancers in the moonlight.
Close your eyes.
A carriage waits for you.
You arrive at the castle.
Footmen escort you.
You ascend the staircase,
wearing your new ball gown.
A man leads you to the dance floor.
Close your eyes.
Yes, it is a dream.
Keep your eyes closed,
and sway to the music.
I close my eyes to sleep,
and what do I see?
The staircase from my past.
The stairs from my
elementary school.
I can hear the children’s voices
as they climb the stairs to classes.
I hear their shouts as they descend
to the basement for lunch.
I can’t see their faces.
I only hear their voices.
The staircase waits for me.
If I return,
will my dream go away?
I drift back to sleep and
dream of the empty staircase.
SING ME A SONG
Sing me a song.
Write a melody
Of times gone by
And moments lost in time.
Stroke the keys.
Massage the ivories.
Raise your voice high
So I can hear your words.
Words of hope and loss.
Sing them loud and clear.
Stories of faraway places
And times that are gone.
I close my eyes.
I can hear your words.
I see your fingers
Stroking the keys.
The words take flight.
They reverberate through time.
They leave your lips
To land on mine.
A sweet melody
To soothe my advancing years.
A pretty song
To fill my empty heart.
The skyline was beautiful before.
Hope was present before.
Brotherhood was keenly felt before.
Life was pure and simple.
Death wasn’t an everyday concern.
Before.
SUSANNE LEIST 