From Dark To Black

...inspired by 'Goodnight' by Seamus Heaney

From dark to black they staggered,
felt for familiar surfaces,
they groped until the lantern flickered,
faint glow resurrecting shadows.

Cold and flaggy floors uneven,
up and down they skittered
like two drunkards on a binge,
finding legs and sturdiness.

Gaslight blue-flamed 'neath the kettle,
blanket grabbed, the bed was ransacked,
tea was swallowed gratefully,
with a twist the lamp gave up the ghost.

From light to black, not even starlight
gave relief to weathered eyes,
huddled 'neath the self-same blanket,
wide-mouthed yawns and muffled sighs.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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

Dietrich Avatar
December 25, 2015 at 5:10 PM
very good writing in this quatrain form, Keith. Thanks for your sweet comment, and merry Christmas!
Bickerstaffe Avatar
December 25, 2015 at 9:26 PM
Thanks Andrea... season's greetings to you also. Keith
La France Avatar
December 23, 2015 at 10:25 PM
Keith, it was a delight to read your poem, well done, I enjoyed it very much ~
Bickerstaffe Avatar
December 23, 2015 at 11:19 PM
Thanks B.W. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours from me and mine! Keith
Vaso Avatar
December 23, 2015 at 4:43 PM
I dare say you have done Seamus Haney justice! Read his poem as well, great write Keith. Might as well wish you a Merry Christmas while I am at it! Cheers
Bickerstaffe Avatar
December 23, 2015 at 5:12 PM
He ain't Irish, but try Terry Robinson... he's one hell of a poet! (Tell him I sent you...) Keith
Bickerstaffe Avatar
December 23, 2015 at 5:09 PM
I love Irish writers, and I often chase down Irish names on the site in hopes of discovering another Heaney! They just seem to have a special gene that turns them into poets when their time in the stroller is through. Thanks Arthur, and a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours from me and mine. Cheers! Keith
Emu Avatar
December 23, 2015 at 1:22 PM
Great poem Keith, creates awesome visual imagery. Regards, Craig
Bickerstaffe Avatar
December 23, 2015 at 1:53 PM
Thank you my friend! Glad you liked it... MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and yours from me and mine! Keith
George   Avatar
December 23, 2015 at 11:41 AM
He was a great Poet...AS ARE YOU MY FRIEND. What a picture you paint here! FANTASTIC!
Bickerstaffe Avatar
December 23, 2015 at 2:01 PM
He's not Irish, but check out Terry Robinson... he's an AMAZING poet. K.
Bickerstaffe Avatar
December 23, 2015 at 1:59 PM
Yes he was! I love the Irish... sometimes I go out of my way to follow up on Irish names here at the Soup 'cos more often than not they are good poets. Thanks so much for your kind remarks... they are much appreciated! Best wishes, Keith
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace