Home » Poems » FJ Thomas » Empty Circles

Empty Circles

I circle the familiar oak, though no more do I recognize the landscape I search longingly for any semblance of memories cross the expanse Darkness meant to protect erodes, the land cannot hold its branded shape It's changed again. Crumbling structures and consuming sinkholes advance I speak into the void, demanding audience with my past, begging for a glimpse kind But I hear only a cautioning silence, forced to wonder the cul-de-sac of my mind 02/01/2023 Prompt: cul-de-sac

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

Eve Roper

Date: 2/26/2025 10:44:00 PM

You sound like you're pondering what is going in and on the now and somewhat wish there was some hope.

FJ Thomas
Date: 2/27/2025 12:26:00 PM

Eve, there is a great part of my childhood that I do not remember. And at times I wish to, but then I wonder if my mind blocked them for a reason, and it is best that I do not remember. Thank you for considering this one.

Carl Fraser

Date: 4/18/2023 4:42:00 AM

Hi FJ, This is a very deep reflective and meant full write. Your awesome, Blessings Carl

FJ Thomas
Date: 4/22/2023 5:21:00 PM

I am so very grateful for your kind words Carl. Thank you

Edward Ibeh

Date: 3/6/2023 8:15:00 PM

Quite a fabulous write, FJ:-) Congratulations on your win in my contest!

FJ Thomas
Date: 3/7/2023 8:48:00 PM

Thank you Edward :)

Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 3/3/2023 2:40:00 PM

They say you can never go home...I guess that also applies to the old neighborhoods that change over time. Congratulations FJ! :)

FJ Thomas
Date: 3/4/2023 9:13:00 AM

Good morning Linda, thank you :)

Kelly Deschler

Date: 2/24/2023 6:45:00 PM

Only making good memories seems to erase the bad ones from years gone by... Making them not even worth remembering... Your words bring about something nostalgic in my own mind, something good :) Excellent work, FJ! My best wishes for the contest!

FJ Thomas
Date: 2/25/2023 7:02:00 PM

Hey Kelly, I'm glad it brought up something good for you. And thanks :)

Speaks Volumes

Date: 2/18/2023 11:28:00 AM

I guess you didn't hand the meaning to me, but I am always content with the meaning I draw from a poem, much like a painting that is seen through different eyes. I see return to a place once loved that has changed to an unrecognizable state. Defiance, yearning for it to return to its remebered being. With no response forthcoming, resignation to accept what is. This brought memories for me when years later I returned too my childhood home to find it gone. Thank you for this beautiful poem.

FJ Thomas
Date: 2/18/2023 11:44:00 AM

Lol isn't it amazing how something we write can be so clear to us, yet we forget everyone else is not in our mind seeing the thoughts as they are written... I like your perspective Wendy, my reality is a bit darker, but I can clearly see your interpretation within. Thank you very much

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 2/17/2023 5:35:00 AM

Your words are deep and the groove of your memory is illuminated only by the intent of your pen, I love the way you never stop believing in the magic of past, and the faith of yesterday's ghosts, sending you love, vie if you wish to join a small group on line, to read your poery aloud, please email me

FJ Thomas
Date: 2/18/2023 11:40:00 AM

Hello Vie, afraid there was no magic in my past, at least the fragments I remember. I am not sure about reading, but if you would like a listening audience let me know ;)

Craig Cornish

Date: 2/4/2023 12:42:00 PM

A computer could never write this Flo--I've read it three times and came out with a different experience each time and that is what showing exudes! Love it all and initiates some of those same feelings as Simon's "The Sound of Silence"--something that binds them in a similar genre - easy to get lost in this! BTW you are a classic beauty and make a very handsome couple...

Craig Cornish
Date: 2/4/2023 7:21:00 PM

I respectfully disagree Flo - just gotta find love in all the right places (to reverse the old tune). Have faith that your message will be heard by those willing to let you in - especially yourself! Keep the faith, because beautiful meanings should be inspired instead of told - that is your gift...

FJ Thomas
Date: 2/4/2023 6:34:00 PM

I appreciate that Craig. I know what you're saying, as time progresses I just do not see this is what people look for in poetry. They want a beautiful meaning that is handed to them. Which of course can be poetic as well. And thank you for the compliment to my family. I only wish I had updated photos of my daughters. But it is hard to get now that they are grown lol

Anselmo Boles

Date: 2/3/2023 3:21:00 PM

Loud outpouring of emotions, the search for answers, yet quietude excelled. A profound and sincere introspection FJ!...ab

FJ Thomas
Date: 2/3/2023 3:51:00 PM

Good evening Anselmo, thank you :)

Sara Kendrick

Date: 2/2/2023 4:08:00 AM

Reads like a good contender to me for the contest. You have used some very good descriptive and expressive lines in this one. Thanks for sharing and for dropping by my page. Sara

FJ Thomas
Date: 2/3/2023 3:50:00 PM

Thank you very much Sara. And it was my pleasure.

James Marshall Goff

Date: 2/1/2023 7:54:00 PM

Expansive introspection FJ, nice!

FJ Thomas
Date: 2/1/2023 8:11:00 PM

Ahh Jim, hello my friend :) Thank you Jim

Sotto Poet

Date: 2/1/2023 7:26:00 PM

Very well-crafted and apt for the contest theme. I really like this " I speak into the void, demanding an audience with my past, begging for a glimpse kind". Good luck with the contest.

FJ Thomas
Date: 2/1/2023 8:09:00 PM

I am glad you think so Lasaad, thank you very much.