After thirteen years, I returned
and rested a long while on the grass of
our old campsite overlooking the lake.
Just I, no van hauling a pop-up trailer,
no rain to race in setting camp,
no small hands gripping mine
pulling me gladly from my toil—
along the splintered dock to
view freshly caught fish
dangling on the line.
No companion by the fire
watching young sons romp the shore.
Mentally, I visited many times over the years
Dangling fingers where we paddled among lilies;
Recalling how we stood together,
hands veiling eyes from afternoon glare
as the children splashed
innocently toward the floating dock,
their proud grins when that final stroke landed
on sun-bleached boards.
Now, I listen late into the night alone
for the reassuring shudder of
car engine and thudding doors.
Fear, like a child’s closet monster,
taunts me that not all journeys end
in triumphant smiles.
But for a few tranquil moments today
I saw campfire flames licking sapphire sky,
felt warm breeze whisper across my bare arms,
and found solace in the hooting of a lone owl.
Author notes
Option #5: picture prompt.
A contest entry
- The Prompt Coffee House: Prompt Challenge Round 1: Picture Prompts by Ceridwens Soul.
1050 points, ended August 4, 2008, 22 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 9 of 9
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I just got chills
This was an amazing read! The images and word choice were spectacular and the very much daunting undertone haunted me through to the closure of the final stanza. Such a beautiful ending. Well done!
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Wonderful write; I could feel myself right there with you. Congrats on the bronze.
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A very moving write, and a great use of the prompt. Truly reflective on how our outlook of the same place changes with time and circumstances.
'Fear, like a child’s closet monster,'
this line is an illustrator's dream come true, absolutely brilliant
Thank you for sharing with us
Jem and Ju
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A most pensive penning of a real life now perhaps filled with a bit of melancholy. This one elicited a sigh from me, well done and all the best.
mj.
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opps dah!
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I really liked the last stanza and could relate completely
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Thank you for your entry, good luck!
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This is very beautiful indeed. I enjoy the way you have written this piece. very smooth and it all fits
perfectly. I love this and good luck.
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*sigh* this is beautiful. I love this piece entirely. so lovely and written so soothingly. every word just flows softly and your word choices are awesome! kept me wanting more to read. a little sad, not everything can last forever. but this was a great piece and i wish you luck
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