Ghosts & Shells

Ghosts & Shells

 

We don’t need to be

Reminded

We are poets after all

 

There are certain words

That need

No explanation

 

But rather

Leave us breathless

Gasping

 

Now tho we are nothing

More than

Strangers on a landing

 

Mere ghosts and shells

Of our former selves gone

Like footprints on the shore

Reviews

[Lorry]

Yes indeed there is. Would that word be tartle? It's a Scots word for someone you are introduced to but can't remember their name.
No, stupid Lorry! It can't be, 'cos I had to explain it!
Perhaps it's that word said with glaring silence that feels like you could chew the air around it!
Whatever word it is, I know it's feeling well.
Is it stramash?
Kerfuffle?
Is it a film or book?
How many syllables?
This one does resonate with me Nev, whatever the erm, thingummyjig is 😊

[Neville]

......... :) itsa wotsamacallit doodah kinda fing

[Lorry]

Is this what dementia feels like or is it shellshock? 😊

[Neville]

maybe we shell neva know .. with a bit of luck any how ........ 😊

[barleygirl]

Your poem reminds me how certain words have an impact on certain people, but when others read these same words, they do not come across in the same way. Expressing our words is such an imperfect endeavor & we can only smile when a connection is made in the whimsy of this landscape (((NUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Neville]

Tis all part of life's rich pageant innit... bless ya for noticing my friend.. Nug Nug and fondly too N :)

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree with your thoughts and logic Neville.
"Mere ghosts and shells
Of our former selves gone
Like footprints on the shore"
The above lines are true. I see a new reflection and my old face. Like a stranger in my words. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Neville]

You are far too kind Johnnie C but always, and I do mean that, always so much appreciated... N

[Coyote Poetry]

I liked this poem and you are welcome Neville.

[Neville]

Cheers my friend :)

[kentuck14]

Nev,
I agree, that as poets we live close to the edge . . . we cannot be afraid to look beyond our days on this planet, or for that matter examine soberly what we've experienced. If indeed we get anywhere near the truth we should not turn away. It's our calling to express our witness--- even if in feeble words (which yours are not!) I would agree that a lover of poetry will come to understand what we are trying to say in our human-made poems. The trouble with our cultures today is most no longer communicate in poetry; in the process we have lost much. Thanks for this thought provoking piece.
Tom

[Neville]

I am well and truly honoured Tom but fear you are far too generous.. However, I nevertheless agree entirely with your take on today, culture and society.. Peace & All Good Things, Neville

[kentuck14]

Nev,
I only give credit where credit is due . . . I won't waste my time trying to "puff up" a poorly conceived and written poem. It wouldn't be fair to the poet's progress.
Tom

[Neville]

Cheers then Tom
N

[Einstein Noodle]

drew me in 100% Neville ... well done! the contrast with loss of "friendships" hit me twice as hard as it would have ..well done my friend .. i love this poem!! the humility of a poet who realizes all is dust and to dust it must return is astounding ... after all .. words matter ... pen mightier than the sword .. the Lord spoke and the world came into being ... can not take back words once spoken etc. etc. .. to think of our poetry ghosted away is hard to bare ... i hope at least a few of mine will be kept by me kids and g-kids ... but i will have to put them in a book for each to give that idea more of a chance ;) i especially like how you went from title to waxing metaphorically in closing with the same ..well done ..universal relevant and thought inspiring
E.

[Neville]

You have spoilt me this mane good and proper my brother.. bless you Gene and how I do so hope that book gets writ... I need a copy and true... N :) x

[Einstein Noodle]

i have been planning it for a long time ...to put some of my favorites in ..make it nice you know...leather bound and smallish .. to fit in ones pocket or purse ... i am lazy tho ... i will definitely make one up for you when i do sir... it seems right a proper ;)

[Neville]

that would be something.. something incredible.. wot a cool idea :)))))

[emmajoy]

Our words are our footprints, some to tread deep into the forever, others to be carried in the wind! Perhaps. Yours both sing and dance through time - time and time again!

[Neville]

what a luverly thing to say, thank you ever so very much emmajoy.... Neville :)

[Chris Shaw]

Our legacy will be the words we leave behind.. We need no footprints, no ghosts, no shells of our former selves, no gravestones or memorials, just our words and thoughts in poems passed on, I hope in my case to kin. We will be known by our words.We will be become nothing but dust.

Chris

[Neville]

Strewth.. we better get writing then our Chris... many thanks for taking a peek and considering some of mine.. N

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and when we shuffle off this mortal coil...we will leave shells and ghosts of our former shells through our poetry...those are our footprints...you stand for all of us in this write, Neville,
j.

[Neville]

tis good to know that sometimes I'm write.. many sincere thank you's jacob sir..... N