Ghosts

Ghosts

(John Raymond Pollard)

2005-07-16

Many times our footsteps fell together

on mud and grass, broken glass, and snow.

Many years ago I can remember

how your script was the fool,

how you sauntered so cool,

and you sunned by the pool, so long ago...

As I see you lying there in candle light, so still,

your family and friends console each other.

I feel a chill.

Can small children know?

Where did their daddy go?

The tomb's a grim stone teacher,

hard and cold.

Jim, I once was best friends with your brother.

I hadn't seen him once these past ten years.

You know, it's quite a shock when you discover

how much people change

and yet remain the same.

We grow old from the strain of all we know.

Did the wind pick up,

disturb a lake that slumbered still

and your limbs grow numb past ache

when faced with liquid chill?

The waters surround

a boat sinking down.

You do the dead man's float

to Banshee's sound.

Jim, I try to walk upon the water,

but my footsteps can't enchant the seas.

I ache for love and warmth

that I once thought were so sacred and fine;

it's aimless waves I climb.

I've never left a footprint where I've been.

Jim, the winds are silent now;

the water's standing still.

With feet torn ragged on the rocks

I face the river's chill.

Though waters surround

I vow I won't go down

As I seek the peace that you have found.