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Daylight of Darkness

Stepping over the threshold Locating the floor buttons I press the 3rd floor ~ my brain images still flashing ~ Disfigured long flames curl around Cherished memories- Dry spruce branches smoking and crackling Glowing coals cooking steaks in a fire Above the crashing waves on the North Shore Of Lake Superior with mom and dad Laughing and sipping root beer Spying a twisted piece of petrified oak most likely a plank From an ancient sunken vessel splintered In the Gale's of November Loosening the piece from the grips of glistening Basalt boulders, etching our names and place Of discovery above striated agates embedded in Crevices a millennial ago Proudly displayed on the mantle above my fireplace Gone Now Only precious memories remain I flash the card lock on my hotel room Entering The Future 2/18/23

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Christina Bowring

Date: 9/13/2023 2:58:00 AM

This is a very clever, well written poem James. Wonderful poetic lines,’ Disfigured long flames curl around cherished memories’.Memories are the greatest gift. This is a very poignant write James filled with emotion. I really enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing. Blessings to you.

Tom Woody

Date: 9/11/2023 5:59:00 PM

This is quite emotional Jimbo. You should start writing again. Seriously

Sara Kendrick

Date: 9/2/2023 2:59:00 AM

Everyday we enter the future which is sometimes very scary, but with the great memories of the past like which I have just read I believe you are prepare to go forward. Thanks for sharing this one with us and for dropping by my page. Sara

James Marshall Goff
Date: 9/2/2023 3:50:00 AM

Thanks Sara!

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 8/14/2023 2:50:00 PM

praying you are having a beautiful day :)

James Marshall Goff
Date: 9/2/2023 3:50:00 AM

Thanks Vie!

Lorraine Ferns

Date: 7/13/2023 12:27:00 PM

"I flash the card lock on my hotel room". Like the imagery of the sterile, and unattached space you are entering compared to the place of your memories and attachment.

James Marshall Goff
Date: 7/13/2023 2:34:00 PM

Cool contrast noted, Lorraine, thanks!

Mandy Tams The Golden Girl

Date: 7/8/2023 11:37:00 PM

Hi Jimbo, love this. xx

James Marshall Goff
Date: 7/9/2023 5:08:00 AM

Thanks for stopping by Mandy! so much fun to hear from you!

Timothy Ray

Date: 7/6/2023 9:14:00 AM

absolutely adore the transversing of time within here and the play of memory....what we hold deepest speaks loudly of who we are...and how they transition our daily life...a great one indeed....thanks for sharing

Paul Callus

Date: 6/21/2023 1:41:00 AM

I truly enjoyed the memories, but most of all the transition from what has been into what lies ahead. Wishing you all the very best of luck, James! // paul

Ravindra K Kapoor

Date: 6/6/2023 11:26:00 PM

Thanks df for your visit on my recently poem? I enjoyed the beautiful memories you have shared in this sweet little poem? Blessed are those who can recall these beautiful moments from the depths of their yesterday to make it a poem ? With best wishes always ( Subhkaamnaaen) Ravindra

James Marshall Goff
Date: 6/7/2023 1:05:00 AM

Thanks Ravindra!

Valsa George

Date: 5/17/2023 8:30:00 AM

Strikingly poignant ! The memory of the flames that swallowed your house seems to haunt you ever after. "Gone now.... only precious memoories remain". It leaves a twitchy feeling in me. First rate poetry dear James. Happy to have read your poem after a long gap.

I Am Anaya

Date: 5/17/2023 7:41:00 AM

Compelling! I can feel the flames and smell the coals, such imagery. I am sorry about your loss, devastating. I've spent time in Michigan, the upper peninsula, the hand or Home to remember the Great Lakes! James your poetry touched me. Be safe~Anaya

Ann Peck

Date: 5/4/2023 11:25:00 AM

Oh, that's so nostalgic, sad, and lovely, James!

James Marshall Goff
Date: 5/4/2023 7:24:00 PM

All true Ann, yes, with all modesty, I think it's a cool poem the way it leaps in time! Thanks!

Sara Kendrick

Date: 4/18/2023 2:26:00 PM

That is all we have is the future because we can't go back. I enjoyed reading your lines. Thanks for sharing. Sara

James Marshall Goff
Date: 4/30/2023 5:45:00 AM

Always fun to see you stop by Sara!

Susan Lawrence

Date: 4/10/2023 5:55:00 AM

What an intimate memory magically brought to life dear James . I smelled the crackling and smoking spruce and the steaks . I sensed the cold air and marveled in your discovery of the plank from an ancient vessel . So rich in details . Blessings, Susan :)

James Marshall Goff
Date: 4/30/2023 5:45:00 AM

Nice to see you Susan! Thanks!

Anil Deo

Date: 4/1/2023 6:24:00 AM

O my dearest brother in Jesus Christ. I had no idea .... You have memories, yes, and courage & a smiling heart because of JESUS. I don't know what to say, or WHY YOU. But with your testimony just 5-6 months later ( waiting in the hotel) , God is exalted by your TRUST, faith PTL

James Marshall Goff
Date: 4/1/2023 11:18:00 AM

Honored by your visit brother Anil, yes, PTL!

Phyllis Babcock

Date: 3/31/2023 11:24:00 AM

You captured the moments in your poem. I hope you are now in your new condo and settled in. love phyl

James Marshall Goff
Date: 4/1/2023 4:26:00 AM

Hi Phyl, thanks! no, not yet in condo...been in hotel since Nov 12.... adjusters nearing agreement, wow...Happy Easter to you! coloring eggs tonight with mom (93) my gal and her granddaughter, making spinach asparagus quiche! Love, james

Timothy Ray

Date: 3/30/2023 6:42:00 PM

this is the heartbeat of wordsmithing and be proud of the wonderful capture...loved it

James Marshall Goff
Date: 4/1/2023 4:27:00 AM

Enjoyed your compliment Timothy, means a lot!

James Peranteau

Date: 3/29/2023 8:32:00 AM

Az for me dear poet, you touched the sensitive uv me. I love that this write iz uv you with your mom and pop enjoying the beautiful day on the lake, such the memory...i share this in like with my family! i enjoyed this memory! have a wonderful Spring sir....much love, james

James Marshall Goff
Date: 4/1/2023 4:27:00 AM

You're a beautiful soul my longtime friend...peace be upon you...

Clifford Villalon

Date: 3/22/2023 9:30:00 PM

Strength to you Sir James!

James Marshall Goff
Date: 4/1/2023 4:28:00 AM

Thanks Clifford!

Joe Maverick

Date: 3/18/2023 12:16:00 AM

Hi Jimbo, in answer to your soup mail Yes you did get back to me gentleman, That you are.' I hope you have something More for us to read soon.? Be well.'

James Marshall Goff
Date: 4/1/2023 4:31:00 AM

Thanks Joe! Haven't been moved to ink lately, no control over my writing, no worries, if my soul seeks air, it will arise, Happy Easter!

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 3/15/2023 3:43:00 PM

Great emotion mixed with fantastic imagery. What a poem!

James Marshall Goff
Date: 3/15/2023 5:00:00 PM

Thanks Andrea, I wanted to document my travails during this ground-shaking moment in my journey....whether my poetry will survive, doubtful! as I lost most of my unpublished work in my condo fire...

Harry Horsman

Date: 3/14/2023 5:16:00 PM

'Only precious memories remain' This is super James, and wonderful poetry of yours to go with those memories.. Harry

James Marshall Goff
Date: 3/14/2023 5:26:00 PM

Nice to see you Harry!

Janice Canerdy

Date: 3/14/2023 4:18:00 PM

Very descriptive, expressive, reflective piece, James. Janice

James Marshall Goff
Date: 3/14/2023 5:26:00 PM

Thanks Janice!

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 3/13/2023 11:11:00 PM

Praying your well my friend :)

James Marshall Goff
Date: 3/14/2023 12:52:00 AM

Thanks Vie!

Panagiota Romios

Date: 3/9/2023 7:59:00 PM

WOWSER of a Poem from start to finish. I envy how your mind works. You intertwined emotion, imagery, past and present, making this a fave, thanks for sharing. I was brought up in Chicago, lots of time in Lake Michigan, and at the chain of lakes in Wisconsin. This should be a POTD..Pangir

James Marshall Goff
Date: 3/14/2023 12:52:00 AM

Thanks Pangie!