Ghost Town

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For Hilo Poet's Alexandrine poetry contest.

Syllables checked via www.howmanysyllables.com.

Slant/near rhymes used.

 

As memories scatter in echoes of laughter. I recall childhood dreams now lost among old trees. Hope once ran free and wild, but now I just feel tired. A playground of conflicts, which no longer exists. Sharp slides, see-saws and swings, where we fought with bare fists. They built posh apartments, dull, ugly and heartless. We weren't high achievers, as we had bad teachers. Now our school's a care home, where many die alone. But the graveyard is full, whilst the church seems obscure. The shop where we bought sweets - a homeless man now sleeps. Some say it's the owner, who became a loner. Closure meant he lost trade, became bankrupt, but stayed. Streets look so untidy, faces that seem shady. Homes are in disrepair, life seems a bit unfair. Time is abrupt with change, but reflections remain. Even when we move on, we think of life foregone. Your past is what your breathe, no matter where you reach.
As memories scatter in echoes of laughter. I recall childhood dreams now lost among old trees. Hope once ran free and wild, but now I just feel tired. A playground of conflicts, which no longer exists. Sharp slides, see-saws and swings, where we fought with bare fists. They built posh apartments, dull, ugly and heartless. We weren't high achievers, as we had bad teachers. Now our school's a care home, where many die alone. But the graveyard is full, whilst the church seems obscure. The shop where we bought sweets - a homeless man now sleeps. Some say it's the owner, who became a loner. Closure meant he lost trade, became bankrupt, but stayed. Streets look so untidy, faces that seem shady. Homes are in disrepair, life seems a bit unfair. Time is abrupt with change, but reflections remain. Even when we move on, we think of life foregone. Your past is what your breathe, no matter where you reach.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024



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Date: 2/1/2025 3:51:00 PM
Change is constant, whether we are ready for it or not. "Your past is what your breathe, no matter where you reach." Nice!
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Date: 9/2/2024 5:31:00 PM
SO, this is profound. All our experiences make us what we are (along with our genetic predispositions and instincts). I know I think of things gone by all the time and I suspect many of us do. I sometimes think of this as a curse in a way as there are things that come up I would rather not think about...but then I realize it's something related to where I am and asking me to do something a bit different this time around. Life presents lots of challenges for sure!!! Thanks for this one...smiling!
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Date: 8/28/2024 9:14:00 AM
Such a talented writer. We have to accept change. I still love the references to the past—the perfect poem, as to be expected of you.
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Date: 8/28/2024 2:48:00 AM
Sadly one thing in life we have to accept is change,for things are continually changing, And in time our memories fade, such is life. Enjoyed reading your poem.
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Date: 8/28/2024 2:05:00 AM
this is so sad indeed, despite the encouraging end, very enjoyable poem in fact, thanks poet
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Date: 8/27/2024 5:52:00 PM
Sharp slides, see-saws and swings, where we fought with bare fists…ugly apartments, bad teachers…a difficult childhood. I enjoyed the poignant write, dear Silent!
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Date: 8/27/2024 4:53:00 PM
Power packed words and images of unwelcomed change in a place that once shone with beauty, SO! "Dreams now lost among old trees," "a care home where many die alone," "your past is what you breath" and so many others. This classic poem reaches deep into the heart of melancholy and weeps! Your gift for imagery and fleshing out a theme, is on full display, SO. I think I am seeing a winner. A classic. Blessings to you for your gift. MORE! MORE!
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Date: 8/27/2024 1:46:00 PM
Has a lot of truth to these lines... enjoyed reading
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Date: 8/27/2024 6:03:00 AM
Dear SO, I always love poems that are nostalgic recollections of childhood memories, and yet they become “lost among old trees”. I agree with your poem that many childhood spaces of the past are now “posh apartments” and are probably filled with technology to fill the child’s mind. I am reading a book called “The Anxious Generation”, which hits this theme hard. Your poem is a great commentary on the unnecessary changes that are depleting the needs for the true betterment of our children and children’s children. So well-inked! – Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel
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Date: 8/27/2024 6:00:00 AM
Dear Silent One, This is quite a haunting poem as the writer revisits the ghosts of the past figuratively. I'm always impressed with your ability to explore so many varied forms of poetry. You and Ms. Ink are always so inspiring. Write on..
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Date: 8/27/2024 2:52:00 AM
Dear silent one! This is clever how you’ve written about childhood and time in such a profound and creative manner using such clever metaphors! I love the way your poem flows and also how you’ve used slanted rhymes and maintained a 6 syllable flow to it, as well as how youv said “ playground of conflicts” and how youv described that further with such detailed imagery using “ Sharp slides, see-saws and swings, where we fought with bare fists.“ wow! Just brilliant! Soul hitting! And the ending is so powerful! Beyond and words can praise! “ Your past is what your breathe, no matter where you reach.“ i think so too! And how youve stated “ Now our school's a care home, where many die alone. But the graveyard is full,” wow! Is this based on a true story! Either way, its impeccable! Best wishes love this
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Date: 8/26/2024 8:10:00 PM
"But the graveyard is full, whilst the church seems obscure." Haunting image. I, also, have been looking back...something in the air maybe. A lot I wish I would have done differently. Interesting read my friend. Poignant.
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Date: 8/26/2024 2:23:00 PM
nostalgia at its best weaving delicate insights into past nuances...blowing me away, S!
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Date: 8/26/2024 12:34:00 PM
awesome poetry. I revisit my old home town every so often. Some things have changed, some are exactly the same, including the old truck tire at the local park that me and a girlfriend made out in some 45+ years ago. Great song choice. I know the background story for this song and it fits your poem nicely
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Date: 8/26/2024 12:15:00 PM
I like this one for it speaks of real places that are happening all across our beautiful nation. So sad to see an era go to the wind. It would be wonderful if someone/s could start restoring such places so people could go there instead of so many crowded up in such thanks for sharing this one with us. Sara K
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