Completely With Myself

When I am completely with myself, immersed in my reflections,
All the day's works are done - mundane and monotonous,
From far away in the past, an endearing picture emerges to me,
Surreal, yet distinctly visible! 
 
A house which was left abruptly with no warning,
A porch where I scattered all my playthings, on splendid summer days,
The huge windows which smelt of drenched khuskhus herbs from its covering to protect from scorching heat, 
Frolicking in the orchard full of shady Guava and Mango trees! 
Oh! the spectacular garden of my father’s dream!
Chrysanthemums and Dahlias - I could smell the fragrance of the flowers -  Roses, encircled with ferns!
The swing - the symbol of my entire childhood, 
Of the laughter, the chatter, the admiring friends, the unforgettable scent of Jasmine flowers on the ground!
 
I decided not to go back! I was afraid the music had stopped, and the colours were lost!
The birdsongs were gone!
I decided not to open the shell and find the coveted pearl!
But the captivating vision doesn't fade away!
 
The crumbling door creaks open, and only whispers of the blowing wind I hear -
The black and white photographs on the walls unpainted for long, look faded, although the familiar faces are smiling, 
A Rosette, immensely treasured once, is left on the floor - for so long nobody cared to pick it up,
The once-valued carvings on the ceiling is caving in, in melancholy.
The lonely, dusty, staircase which was once a refuge for giggling children playing hide-and-seek, has no footprints! 
 
I decided not to go back,
To witness the decays, which break my heart beyond repair. 
But I revisit again and again,
My heart takes me there.

For Decaying House Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Constance La France
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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De Beaulieu Avatar
September 20, 2020 at 12:00 PM
Hello Mala, your heart take you there ,because you have fond memories of this house. These are good memories. Love Darlene your friend.
Mishra Avatar
July 27, 2020 at 5:04 AM
Memories are strange. We want to revisit them yet we can't change them. A part of them makes us feel blissful yet another part leaves us a little sad. Your muse takes me on a similar journey which I embark knowingly to leave memories as they are. Congratulations on your win Mala. Much love :)
Ray Choudhury Avatar
July 27, 2020 at 5:21 AM
Thank you, Aditi. Really appreciate your kind and thoughtful words. It's hard going down the memory lane - we share the same sentiments! Love, Mala
Allison Avatar
July 19, 2020 at 3:50 PM
Sometimes its best to leave the memories as they were as the present can not always be what you wanted to see as i have found out visiting places with special memories only to be bitterly disappointed:-( Many congratulations on your win:-) hugs Jan xx
Ray Choudhury Avatar
July 19, 2020 at 7:26 PM
Thanks, Jan. What you have said, is so true. I was afraid of disappointing myself. Appreciate your support. Much love, Mala
De Beaulieu Avatar
July 18, 2020 at 6:05 PM
Hello Mala,this old house has a lot of memories, good ones to remember. love, darlene Enjoy your evening my friend.
De Beaulieu Avatar
July 19, 2020 at 8:02 AM
Hello Mala, you must have a lot of fond memories of the house. you use to live in. Enjoy your day my friend. love Darlene
Ray Choudhury Avatar
July 18, 2020 at 7:23 PM
Hi Darlene, so good to hear from you. Yes, this house is a real memory of my childhood. I didn’t visit for a long long time, but it’s always in my mind. Appreciate your kind comments. Enjoy your evening, my friend. Mala
Brul Avatar
July 17, 2020 at 7:42 PM
My heart takes me here... to read this poem again...and will read this gem again and again for years and years to come... I come back not just to read again but to add this to my FAVOURITES!!!
Brul Avatar
July 17, 2020 at 7:30 PM
Captivating piece dear Mala, my friend.! It made me recall my once warm abode...Breathless as I read each word,,each line that resonates with me...I wish I could share my story in a marvellous poem such as this.. But, it's okay...this has become my own story ,too. Thank you for sharing this soulful and nostalgic write. Brilliantly penned!
Ray Choudhury Avatar
July 17, 2020 at 8:13 PM
Dear JCB, so touched by your inspiring words! This is almost real to me; now I know you share the same emotions! Really really appreciate your soulful words. Love, Mala
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