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Extinguished Names

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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

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FJ Thomas

Date: 6/28/2022 10:00:00 PM

This is beautiful in its sadness David. Almost a longing is felt. Did you grow up on a farm?

FJ Thomas
Date: 6/29/2022 3:40:00 AM

I can truly understand that David. Take care :)

David Walker
Date: 6/29/2022 3:23:00 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.

Hilo Poet

Date: 6/23/2022 7:14:00 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

David Walker
Date: 6/24/2022 5:35:00 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?

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 6/15/2022 6:23:00 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

David Walker
Date: 6/16/2022 7:13:00 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.