Get Your Premium Membership

Radio Silence

Out here in the outpost
I guard the borderland
“Over and out” – I lose the call
And you are out again

This is my shout out
From the hinterland
“Roger, Roger” at my post
But you are – out – again

You do not deem to call
While my receiver’s on
I fiddle with the dial
But – static – is the tongue

Cold the rime upon the pane
That crackles to the sound
Of Solitaire I muster out 
– And the hand that I put down

Is a winner, at its best
– It seems the Ace is high –
– And here my friendly guest
Just winks an evil eye –

The creaking of my little hut
Is charged with energy
Buffeted by winds about
– thou art mine enemy! –

Cold the outer fathoms
And in the frozen stasis
White is in the noise
And silence in the spaces

The dark outside is deep
Did I just hear a knock?
– it’s just the knock, knock 
Knocking of my beating heart

– Cornered as a winter mouse
Frightened from its nest
I startle to the voice I hear
And flee my inner guest

Copyright © | Year Posted 2023




Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 2/25/2023 6:25:00 PM
VERY interesting ink here, John. Outposts... loneliness... noises... a recipe for horror. ~ gw
Login to Reply
Oldham Avatar
John Oldham
Date: 2/26/2023 2:25:00 PM
Yep, a little cabin fever, for sure! But really a metaphor for today's mental health climate.

Book: Radiant Verses: A Journey Through Inspiring Poetry