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Extinguished Names

Extinguished Names
David J Walker

The old farmhouse looks older
	What else can it do
Burdened by weather 
Threatened with fire

Memories have long ago escaped the
Walls painted in tears 

	Windows with laughter
	Doors that clatter 
in an afternoon wind

When we left we left  
	A piece of us
In scenes behind drawn curtains 

Someday 
	Lightening will strike in an
Act of vengeance by the Devine

The long-awaited flames and 
The tears we left behind
Will never be enough to 
	Extinguish the names
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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Thomas Avatar
June 28, 2022 at 10:00 PM
This is beautiful in its sadness David. Almost a longing is felt. Did you grow up on a farm?
Thomas Avatar
June 29, 2022 at 3:40 AM
I can truly understand that David. Take care :)
Walker Avatar
June 29, 2022 at 3:23 AM
Hello, EJ, and thank you for reading my poem and commenting. Yes, I did grow up on a farm. There is sadness and futility in the passing of that time. That is to say, I wish things had been different.
Kelii Kekaula Avatar
June 23, 2022 at 7:14 PM
An intriguing phrasing, David, with its fused hypnotic background, prompts a wondrous Fave for me. Just noting, by marriage, my uncle's family had bought a place called, "Pep, New Mexico," which is made up mostly of his family -- other than phone calls -- I've yet to indulge their invite +hops to Carlsbad and Roswell. A blessed penning my friend, Aloha~William
Walker Avatar
June 24, 2022 at 5:35 AM
William, Thank you so much for your comment. Here is hoping you might make it to Pep someday. Perhaps there is a story to be told... waiting for you there?
Marcum Wong Avatar
June 15, 2022 at 6:23 PM
I really love this poem David. I believe I left a favorable comment for it but my Internet went down and I guess it did not go through. I am sure glad I came back for another read because this is a Fave for me. My great grandparents built a stately home like this in a little One horse town in western Kansas that is now going to ruin. Your poem reminded me of when I visited there in the 90’s. My mother was born in their home. Love the wind chimes in your recording too. Blessings xxoo
Walker Avatar
June 16, 2022 at 7:13 AM
Thank you, Connie. My cousins and I visited the farms we grew up on in Eastern New Mexico. It was cathartic, memorable, and a little painful as well. It sounds like you have had the same experience.
Sands Avatar
May 31, 2022 at 7:35 AM
Great poem David. Powerful :)
Walker Avatar
May 31, 2022 at 10:35 AM
Thank you, Heidi. A piece of my life...
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