John Gondolf | + Follow Poet |
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Fading Photographs

Fading photographs collecting dust,
   the images of moments from my past
like ancient aging metals caked with rust
   from torrid tear-soaked dreams that didn’t last
      and cast aside as hopes became aghast.

Stowed away behind my closet door
   these boxed up fading photos you will find,
though hidden out of sight, I can’t ignore
   these dreams now buried deep within my mind;
      the ancient aging dreams I left behind.

These memories still haunt me late at night
   while sitting all alone in my dark room
without a single dream that brings me light
   to brighten up this ever-growing gloom;
      all caused by fading photographs entombed.

September 19, 2024

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Susan Lawrence Date: 10/22/2024 12:47:00 PM Hi dear John, it’s been so long since I’ve had the pleasure of reading one of your poems. You always bring things to life in such a poignant and emotional way. I can really relate to the entombed photographs in the box and the imagery of “ancient aging metals caked with rust” I agree with Brandy that it’s these hopes and dreams gone by that make us who we are today . There is always hope to be found in the settled dust . Big hugs, Susan :) Login to Reply John Gondolf Date: 10/23/2024 7:18:00 AM Hi Susan, it's so good to hear from you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and comments. Actually, I prefer to look to the dreams that lie ahead and not stir up the settled dust left behind. I hope all is well in your world. Warm hugs, John

Ink Empress Date: 10/5/2024 11:46:00 PM Dear John, Brilliant rhymes and cadence to your well woven words here. I especially love how youv started the poem with “ like ancient aging metals caked with rust from torrid tear-soaked dreams that didn’t last” caked with rust! Is a creative way of describing old and ancient memories piled with tear soaked dreams that were temporary! So evocative and soul stirring really! “ These memories still haunt me late at night while sitting all alone in my dark room“‘this resonates so deeply! Thank you for sharing. Congratulations on your win Login to Reply John Gondolf Date: 10/21/2024 2:40:00 AM Thank you, I.E. I’m glad my poem resonated with you. Thanks for hosting this contest.

Brandy Nicole Date: 9/19/2024 5:26:00 PM While ' images of moments from my past ' are ' collecting dust, ' I'm reminded of the beautiful memories made. True, there's melancholy within, but without these moments, you don't exist. Every picture tells a story. Your thoughts caress gently around me and my heart. So thankful you're here, my sweet friend. Hugs, Brandy Login to Reply John Gondolf Date: 9/24/2024 2:43:00 AM Yes, every picture tells a story, and it’s the new pictures and new moments that give us hope. Thank you for being the beautiful person that you are, Brandy. Warm hugs, John

Tom Woody Date: 9/19/2024 5:46:00 AM A bit sad and melancholy but expertly written as per your usual John. I don't have a single photo from my childhood, all ruined in a basement flood at my parent's place. Sigh Login to Reply John Gondolf Date: 9/19/2024 6:01:00 AM It is a bit melancholy; when I saw the prompt for this contest, I immediately thought of the song Traces by the Classics IV so that is where my muse took me. Thanks for stopping by Tommy, I appreciate the comments shared. John