I have previously blogged this, but I’m doing it again for Jilly’s Casting Bricks challenge. I did a poetry reading the other night, and read this, and somebody commented that it ended very quickly, just as they were starting to get into it. I tend to write pretty short poems, but it struck me that maybe I hadn’t actually finished this, just stopped writing it.
there are ghosts at my table tonight
I write, not mentioning that
my table is a pale rectangle
of wood, so that perhaps
you picture your own table,
round, white, plastic –
or a dark mahogany oval,
and your ghosts are
the dark ring left by
a wine bottle, the last time
you had dinner with
a long lost lover,
or the scorched place
where you set down a pan
too quickly, the day
you heard that news
about your sister, while mine
are the assorted stains
and scratches left by my
children as they leave their
childhood, not quite ghosts,
waiting to fade.
Love the way this works it’s way towards the ending. Last line is perfect!
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Maybe it was the way I read it …π
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Hooray! So glad you have posted this to the Challenge! Look forward to working with you π
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I’m looking forward to it, too! Great idea.π
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Must give credit to Colin for the spark on the whole thing – we’ve been having a bit of fun with it and I’m thrilled you are here, Sarah!
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I will be back to attempt this!
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Excellent!
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I will let this rattle in my head, too (just as I promised Jenna). I hope inspiration sparks. π
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Pingback: Ghosts at My Table Still – Jilly's
Jilly, this is beautiful. I’ve been gloating over it. I love the echoes, the lingering, rather than fading, the glimpses of memories. It’s just wonderful.
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Ok, Sarah, here we go! You are a tough act to follow, my friend. I considered the words of the person who wanted more when you read your poem and decided to dive into the poet’s own memories for a second stanza. Thank you for the wonderful words to work with!
(Hope you will join again with the October Challenge which posts on Friday the 6th!)
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Hilly, you are amazing. I love what you have done! Excited for October.
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Yay!
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