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Past Ghosts

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Author's Notes: "Past Ghosts" is a thought-piece I put together to examine certain aspects of why we as human beings cling to and relive past memories at different times in our lives. This theme has obvious depths and dimensions that go way beyond my cursory analysis here in one short free verse exposition. With this thought in mind, as a writer, I've always been intrigued by the notion of "past is prologue," which is often referenced in a historical sense. If we can individually harness positive things from past experiences or relationships this can have a salutary benefit to our present and perhaps future circumstances. Conversely, the negative side of past experiences or people in our past may conjure demons or unpleasantness best left for the world of the past tense. My purpose with this poem is to get the reader to ponder, if only for a minute or so, the role played by "Past Ghosts" in our respective lives and in our common discourse as human beings. Something to think about. (Gary Bateman - July 3, 2015)

Categories: change, courage, emotions, feelings, future, introspection, and self.

Past Ghosts One’s thoughts occasionally wander into the past, Conjuring memories of what was and was not, What might have been, and what should have been. This type of “past is prologue” gives one perspective For the present and a much-needed azimuth for the future. Some may say to forget about Past Ghosts and move on. This is sound advice when such ghosts harken one back To a time and place of unhappiness or emotional despair. Yet one must, at times, be not afraid to confront The Devil Lurking in the deep and dark regions of one’s memories. Finding one’s self means knowing one’s self and being always Willing to change and adapt to new challenges and thoughts As one—and all of us move forward with our respective lives. Past Ghosts, in the form of people or experiences, shall always Be with us no matter how hard we try to shut them out and forget. And so our Past Ghosts become part of our selective memories. Embrace and bring to light those that are pleasing and positive, And deal with the less pleasant ones more restrictively for sure. Our Past Ghosts are an indelible aspect of our life progression As human beings—and so live, go forward, and fear not! Gary Bateman, Copyright © All Rights Reserved – July 3, 2015 (Free Verse)

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Sharon Gulley

Date: 9/9/2015 8:20:00 AM

So very true and such a powerful message here Gary. Moving forward is always a sure step to happiness and yesterday holds nothing of substance for the soul or the mind, but sometimes just sometimes filtering the past can make one strong. Thanks for reminding me to just not stay to long, ha, ha, ha.....Sharon

Gary Bateman
Date: 9/9/2015 4:18:00 PM

Thanks Sharon!! And Amen here on your comments. I try my best now to live in the present and the present-progressive with a casual eye to future. Past Ghosts will always be with us, and can be instructive, as long as we each don't dwell on the Past too much. The "NOW" and the "POSITIVE" are the better focus. Best Always, Gary

Liam Mcdaid

Date: 7/5/2015 5:34:00 PM

powerful pen gary our past ghosts sure know how to haunt us at times love this pen from you pal took me back thinking smiles

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/5/2015 5:50:00 PM

Thanks Liam Mate!! The key is for each of us to exorcise those Ghosts from our past -- and to move on with our lives!! Best Always, Gary

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 7/5/2015 10:27:00 AM

- We all have some small or slightly larger: "Past Ghosts" .... but as you say, "go forward, and fear not!" ..... - An awesome write my friend Gary .... (as always t.r. :) - All the best to you - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/5/2015 12:14:00 PM

Thanks Anne-Lise!! Glad you liked this write. And thanks for the T.R. (I will be posting very soon a co-write that Liam and I just finished on "Mother Nature's Little Prince." You may want to check it out later.) Hope all is well and have a nice Sunday evening!! Cheers, Gary

Constance La France

Date: 7/3/2015 7:50:00 PM

Gary, this is a fantastic write 7 that brings up many aspects of past ghosts, I have been accused of living in the past and it is true, the past both the sad and the beautiful is what makes me the poet I am, so out of tragedy comes beauty in words... I sadly will never be able to let go of the past, I just know that and have accepted it and thanks for visiting my poem drunken moon

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/3/2015 8:06:00 PM

Thanks BW!! Your words and what you say about the past are quite insightful. Clinging to the past, if it helps to bring power and magic to your poetry and writing in not really a bad thing at all. I personally try to bring the positive power of my past to bear on how I approach writing in the present and future. Past in Prologue. And life is not perfect. But we're all human beings in the end, regardless. (BTW, Thanks for the "7"). Cheers, Gary

Skat A

Date: 7/3/2015 7:24:00 PM

Gary, there is a reason for everything. I don't know if a ghost is real. But, I do believe in evil spirits. I love everything about this poem... . Have a safe and Happy 4th of July.... ... Love SKAT

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/3/2015 8:34:00 PM

I'm glad you liked this piece SKAT!! My use of "Ghost" is metaphorical, but I do too believe in evil spirits. Likewise, have a great 4th of July and be sure to say "Hi" to the USA for me since I'm an American expat over here in Germany!! Enjoy the celebrations!! Cheers, Gary

Peter Lewis Holmes

Date: 7/3/2015 6:20:00 PM

Nice piece of prose Gary....Peter

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/4/2015 1:23:00 AM

Hello Peter!! Thanks for your visit and read "Past Ghosts." I will drop by your way and check out your poetry. Please feel free to read any of my poems as you chose to do so. Best Always, Gary