Mist On the Barrows

***Dedicated to a wise old man 
I once knew***
-----" There is no such thing
        as death..." 
                  ------ an old friend 


'O desolate wasteland,
filled not with flowery rushes,
threshing green fields silted,
earthy and ether months;
there can be no solstice,
no progress ----
where the tides are naught

The barrows long for life,
the painter's easel and stroke;
yet not even rainbow shadow
could colors so evoke,
life into thy nostrils -----
English barrow grave;
the dead are not there.....
Saxon King no more.....

Though they are not gone,
for very long;
our hearts be all we have,
among memories,
tides, and song

So do they hearken
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Cozart Avatar
September 19, 2017 at 11:23 AM
Just beautiful.
O.J. Hunt Avatar
September 19, 2017 at 1:09 PM
Thanks Dale, it does have a haunting beauty about it; and many thanks for your 3 visits and comments this morning;-)
Capitano Avatar
February 26, 2017 at 6:45 AM
Death is not the end but a new beginning; life has many phases and this form is but one. Great poem Keith, lots to think about here.
O.J. Hunt Avatar
February 26, 2017 at 7:26 AM
Thanks for your visit Phil. Life is so multifaceted isn't it? There are a thousand ways to die, but only one way to live...
Fleming Avatar
February 8, 2017 at 9:40 AM
Indeed there is no such thing as "death". We are all part of the great "Collective-Consciousness": We are born aware, we cease to be, we are born aware once more...And so it will remain for a great age that spans a near eternity. Fantastic little poem you have penned, Keith! My very warmest regards...And my best wishes! :) john
O.J. Hunt Avatar
February 8, 2017 at 11:01 AM
Thanks John, indeed 'death is dead' because we know only life; we actually cannot know what it is. I appreciate your visits, God bless and all the best!
May Avatar
February 4, 2017 at 2:45 PM
We must accept the harshest winter before we can enjoy the spring..Well penned..
O.J. Hunt Avatar
February 8, 2017 at 11:02 AM
Thanks Joseph, appreciate your visits!
Nusker Avatar
February 3, 2017 at 11:05 PM
An amazing poignant poem and I love the way you have animated the imagery with your wonderful, descriptive words.
O.J. Hunt Avatar
February 4, 2017 at 11:05 AM
Thanks Afzal, it is rather poignant yes, and many thanks for the kind comments!
Marcum Wong Avatar
February 2, 2017 at 3:31 AM
I love the way you have worded this fantastic piece Keith! I didn't want this to end. It is beautiful in it's poignancy and your imagery makes this a poem to remember! A fave for me. Seven too! : )
Devonshire Avatar
January 31, 2017 at 8:31 AM
You remind me, Keith, that although we visit graves to communicate with loved ones, they really aren't there anymore. Indeed, they are in heaven now and I believe we'll see them again. You have the most amazing, classical style, my friend. Always a joy to read your words and this is another fave for me. Hugs, Carolyn
O.J. Hunt Avatar
January 31, 2017 at 12:57 PM
Many thanks Carolyn! You always make me blush.... So glad you enjoyed and I do miss your visits;-)
Callus Avatar
January 30, 2017 at 3:21 PM
I can picture these ancient burial places, Keith, and feel the captivating yet sad atmosphere which surrounds them. Many years ago, while in Kent, my pen-friend pointed out one, but don't ask me where it was. ~ Regards // paul
O.J. Hunt Avatar
January 30, 2017 at 7:43 PM
Thanks for your visit Paul; always a pleasure my friend. It was a strange write, but I've never been afraid of the boogeyman....
Lindley Avatar
January 29, 2017 at 12:50 PM
SO DEEP IT MADE ME WANT TO SHED TEARS Of purest gold my friend. Solid 7 and a fav...
O.J. Hunt Avatar
January 29, 2017 at 7:42 PM
Thanks Robert. It is a bit sad but this I don't understand; Shakespeare was the Master and wrote mostly tragedies; we must know sorrow before we can know joy; if done effectively it can sometimes move a person; you are the only one to comment yet, perhaps because of the subjectivity, though it's message is good?
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