Notes About The Poem

Sewing Machine

Sewing Machine

Sewing machine, long idle, gathers dust
Its graceful frame a filigree of rust
Needle, naked pointing to its resting place
A symbol of the toll all life will take

Sunshine streams surreal through silent space
Past the broken stone that was a window case
Beams of sunlight scatter wildly in their blame
Illuminating memories of pain

Love's last hallowed hiding place reviled
Beneath the jagged glass where once they keeled
To ask a witless god for sacred grace
And pray for revocation from this place

The battles ended long ago with no peace won
Lifeless soldiers buried neatly in the sun
Stars and crosses left to mark the empty space
Where lust consumed the last of love's embrace

Daylight sinks below the hollow gloom
Of lonesome darkness strewn across this room
The war years seemed like only yesterday
When history played out its terse cliché

Spirits stalk the dead to join in sin
'Till candles sputter, spent - now dark within
The stars give up a silent last cerise
And darkness fills the emptiness with peace

written 2018.10.22
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Kendrick Avatar
February 15, 2023 at 6:48 AM
Very descriptive and expressive winning work you have penned in this one. Thanks for sharing. Sara
Grasso Avatar
February 18, 2023 at 7:01 AM
Thank you, Sara. ...Fran
Ashley Avatar
February 13, 2023 at 12:09 PM
Dear Francis, your beautiful poetic expression, deep emotion and striking imagery brings me to the center of this scene as if by sad intimate whispers of what had been, as now, “darkness fills the emptiness with peace”. A haunting piece that will linger within me. Lovely sprinkles of alliteration and assonance enhance the artistic appeal of the rich melancholy of your verses. Congratulations for your excellent win in Brian’s contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Grasso Avatar
February 18, 2023 at 7:01 AM
Thank you, Susan. ...Fran
Carber Avatar
December 26, 2021 at 9:27 AM
Quite lovely and lyrical!
Grasso Avatar
December 27, 2021 at 6:50 AM
Thank you, L.J. ...Fran
Agustin Avatar
December 22, 2021 at 6:59 PM
Congrats! Thanks for sharing this---and yes, for courageously exposing war's grim reality' in your awesome poetic way. God bless you.
Grasso Avatar
December 25, 2021 at 8:33 AM
Thank you, Beata! God bless you, kind lady. ...Fran
Alex Avatar
December 22, 2021 at 8:58 AM
"battles ended long ago with no peace won" - Beautiful writing. Congratulations!
Grasso Avatar
December 27, 2021 at 6:51 AM
Thank you, Christuraj. ...Fran
Zahid Avatar
December 22, 2021 at 5:32 AM
Hello Francis, Congratulations! Very well penned.
Grasso Avatar
December 27, 2021 at 6:52 AM
Hello, Paghunda! Thank you! ...Fran
Inman Avatar
June 18, 2020 at 8:59 AM
A gorgeous write Francis sad and solemn but with ultimate resignation and acceptance for what has been.
Grasso Avatar
February 18, 2023 at 7:02 AM
Thank you, James. ...Fran
Dutta Avatar
November 4, 2018 at 1:43 AM
Whelmed n touched. S.O is also my hero in Poetry soup. Blessing to you n Silent One.
Grasso Avatar
November 6, 2018 at 10:01 AM
Thank you, Anisha. Blessings to you, Lovely Lady. ...Fran
Michael Avatar
October 23, 2018 at 10:46 AM
You had me thinking...Well done...interesting point of view...All the best Francis
Grasso Avatar
October 25, 2018 at 9:53 AM
Thank you, Arturo. All the best to you as well. ...Fran
One Avatar
October 23, 2018 at 8:29 AM
Now that is strong imagery Francis.. Absolutely fantastic poetry.. This is publishing standard.. A fave for me..
Grasso Avatar
October 25, 2018 at 9:50 AM
Glad you enjoy reading this, Silent One. It is one of those poems that took me forever to write, and with no clear message in mind. A poem that I only more completely understand when I read it through numerous times... Thank you for your continued support of my work. I always look forward to your gentle, but constructive critiques. You are one of my heroes here on poetry soup and I owe much of my growth as a poet to your guidance. ...Fran
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