Notes About The Poem

Written for the contest " the empty room" sponsored by Craig Cornish. An inspiring prompt that got me thinking. I remember losing my grandfather, and going back to his house( my childhood happy place) where now my grandma lives alone. Its a beautiful spacious island house with long hallways, and grandpas clock now remains as a timeless souvenir. The emptiness of his room, is filled with memories , of when he used to make little swings for us; and I used to play marbles, which he gifted me, little things that gave me joy! Now defines my childhood.: Anyhow, sorry for rambling, sometimes writing brings so many memorie back. Always in my thoughts, for my grandfather;

The Empty Room

Monsoon mornings are like a seedless vase filled with paralyzed petals.  
I sit reminiscing, the fleeting frequencies of his ancient clock,  
now cloaked in coal cobwebs composing skeletal memories;  
a timeless token of unblemished innocence,
when tiny fingers, tattooed with henna butterflies,  
awaited the dawning strings of golden kites.

I ponder if shadows of the moving moon still caress chiffon curtains, forming a crescent spoon,
resembling five marbles of childhood that played hide and seek,
to his virtuous voice echoing down hollow hallways~
homing a trail of tender heartbeats from the swings he made for us…
For the empty room of a wise man is never soulless.  
It shelters fearless footprints of futuristic art, painted with patience,  
when fairies of twilight forget the lyrics of starry lullabies.  

Tonight, I trace whispering wallpapers,  
listening to the sound of my grandfather’s perennial promises~
that linger forever, embalmed in sandalwood serenity,
while nightingales croon eclectic elegies to the mourning sky.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

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
November 2, 2024 at 12:46 AM
I am looking through my favorite poems list. Here is one a little ong one that is the perfect size for what you are expressing. I adore this one so close to your heart.
George Avatar
June 22, 2024 at 4:56 PM
I'm always connected to your writing Dearest Ink. This made me smile and teary, just a mix. Memories are like our favourite and favourite things. The ones you cherish you would want to remember because they make our loved ones live forever in our hearts and those memories make us feel close to them. It was just a month ago, I was woken from sleep, hearing about my grandad's death broke me. I dreamt of it. I knew it was going to happen but I wasn't ready. I didn't know the last time I went home
George Avatar
June 22, 2024 at 5:00 PM
Would be the last time I saw him. So yeah. Remember him. Always do. I think they have this joy when they know they are never forgotten by the people who loved them. "For the empty room of a wise man is never soulless." Yes. It's always filled. Filled with wisdom, unheard laughter and guidance. Cheers, scolding. Nobody sees how much I've lost weight than my grandad. Sometimes I wish they never leave, I wish they could stay here with us forever.
George Avatar
June 13, 2024 at 9:07 AM
Beautiful reminiscences of your grandfather and the house he lived. Now his seat is empty, but the grandfather clock remains as a heirloom handed down to his progeny, "a timeless token of unblemished innocence, when tiny fingers, tattooed with henna butterflies". Your poem is so warm with sweet memories of your childhood and the great time you had with your grand parents.Though his room is empty. it is peopled with intimate memories of a time you felt sheltered and pampered by a wise old man, your grandpa. A beautiful poem. I understand that you are placed first in the contest. Belated Congratulations dear Empress.
Ashley Avatar
June 11, 2024 at 6:03 PM
Dera Ink, I just melted when I read "when tiny fingers, tattooed with henna butterflies" and "Tonight, I trace whispering wallpapers" - poignant imageries in the context of your soulful poem. Such an enchanting yet wistful mood spills down the page, full of the magic of memories and love and the pang of having lost such a "wise man". Your beloved grandfather must have truly been a wonderful man. I adore this piece and your poet's note too. Congratulations for your win in Craig's contest. Warmest wishes, shining poetess.. ~Susan
Empress Avatar
June 12, 2024 at 2:11 AM
Very kind of you to say, this is definitely one of those poems that made me tear up after writing and its nice to know it was appreciated too. Thank you so much for your kindness and support poetic soul! You are truly a ray of lyrical light
Hind Avatar
June 11, 2024 at 2:43 PM
Beautiful images- 'crescent spoon'- whoa...a real enjoyment to read you today, all the best for your inspirations and health, xx just me!
Empress Avatar
June 12, 2024 at 2:11 AM
Awn thank you sweet paige
Gorelick Avatar
June 11, 2024 at 1:18 PM
What intimate contemplative tones you evoke within your lyrical venture. Still waters run deep indeed! Robert
Empress Avatar
June 12, 2024 at 2:12 AM
Thank you so very much for your visit kindly, grateful for your support always dear robert
Eslinger Avatar
June 10, 2024 at 7:01 PM
Wmpress, the Love i feel here in this is magical, mosaic, pure as the remembering child heart who wrote it…. BLESSing to read. A fav. Love U
Empress Avatar
June 12, 2024 at 2:13 AM
Awn so good to see you and i appreciate also your fave thank you so much dear sally
Greenhough Avatar
June 10, 2024 at 6:27 PM
I enjoyed this poem of whispering memories. Your grandfather must have been a wonderful man. Blessings to you. Good luck with the contest.
Empress Avatar
June 12, 2024 at 2:17 AM
Awn thank you dear hilda im grateful for your kindness always
Bell Avatar
June 10, 2024 at 10:03 AM
Great tribute. Empty and finally, emptiness. Hope you had a lot of good times in the house. What happened to marbles.
Empress Avatar
June 12, 2024 at 2:18 AM
Ah I lost the marbles but whenever i see marbles i think of him. He always gave me different colors of marbles whenever i traveled to see him when i was little! Definitely was my happy place, Thank you for your kindness.
Beaufort Avatar
June 10, 2024 at 9:34 AM
IE, keeping these memories alive really does make the best possible tribute. Yes the room is empty, but not in our minds. Someone was talking to me recently about grief and the best expression of it that can help people is to allow them to relate the qualities and life of the departed that in a way brings them back to life. You do this very well and awake a tender portion of my heart in doing so. Such wisdom you have without appearing to struggle. I'm thinking now of your grandfather fondly.
Empress Avatar
June 12, 2024 at 2:19 AM
Dear duke how empathetic and beautiful is your response and comment to my poem, i truly felt the sincerity of your words as i read your comment! And im grateful for such kindness truly. Always
May Avatar
June 10, 2024 at 6:59 AM
A great tribute to your grandfather, and all the happy memories that ensue, best wishes
Empress Avatar
June 12, 2024 at 2:24 AM
Awn thank you dear joseph
Buhagiar Avatar
June 10, 2024 at 2:37 AM
Such great emotions that is embroidered in this beautiful poem, a great tribute to your grandfather. Best for a win.
Empress Avatar
June 12, 2024 at 2:40 AM
Thank you so very much dear victor
Dietrich Avatar
June 9, 2024 at 1:29 PM
I too love the topic. But I would use a style not popular with the sponsor
Dietrich Avatar
June 9, 2024 at 1:28 PM
I love this, Ink. I think with the longer lines and fewer abstract phrases, it really explains well your feelings on the empty room. Poignant and lovely. A fave for me
Empress Avatar
June 12, 2024 at 3:03 AM
Awwn so sweet my soul aunt! Thank you for the fave! That means alot coming from you really
Goldsmith Avatar
June 9, 2024 at 9:41 AM
WOW!!! "The Empty Room" is a wonderful write/story. Thanks for adding the top part. You were Not rambling. Great memories are the best kind to have. Keep them safe in your heart. "Good Luck" A winner for me... Have A Blessed Day Writing Away...........
Empress Avatar
June 12, 2024 at 12:32 PM
Awwn thank you so much dear paula im grateful for your kind support
Poet Avatar
June 9, 2024 at 9:17 AM
The narrative poem you conveyed was gorgeous and intriguing, and I think the alliteration you used made it even more lovely dear Ink. This brings up a flood of nostalgia for your grandfather and is quite heartwarming. Memories, family history, and the impact of a cherished grandpa are the themes of this moving and exquisitely written contemplation. The "ancient clock" encrusted with "coal cobwebs" and the "Monsoon mornings" depicted here represent the passing of time and the permanence of these recollections. Your ability to paint vivid pictures with words is truly remarkable.
Empress Avatar
June 12, 2024 at 12:36 PM
What a beautiful comment dr sotto: thank you so very much for your kind support
One Avatar
June 9, 2024 at 8:56 AM
This is so beautiful and sentimental with so many memories about your Grandfather.. An excellent idea for the contest.. It is a poignant and beautifully crafted meditation on memory, heritage, and the lasting influence of a beloved grandfather.. The depiction of "Monsoon mornings" and the "ancient clock" covered in "coal cobwebs" symbolizes the passage of time and the enduring nature of these memories. You really know how to create imagery through you words...
Empress Avatar
June 12, 2024 at 12:42 PM
Awwn silent one thank you so much, you approval is all that i need and im grateful for your kindness! Appreciat your poetic presence
DiMino Avatar
June 9, 2024 at 6:36 AM
"homing a trail of tender heartbeats from the swings he made for us…" Love that. "Tonight, I trace whispering wallpapers, listening to the sound of my grandfather’s perennial promises~" Very original and profound. Excellent read. Thank you.
Empress Avatar
June 12, 2024 at 12:42 PM
Thank you so very much for this kind and generous comment im always grateful for your support truly
Williams Avatar
June 9, 2024 at 4:40 AM
The story you shared was truly captivating and enchanting, and I believe its beauty was enhanced even more by the clever use of alliteration. It resonated with me deeply because of the extraordinary bond I shared with my grandparents, resulting in a flood of cherished memories. Sandalwood serenity , sigh. Definitely a fave for me. Good luck in the contest Inky...Hugs
Empress Avatar
June 12, 2024 at 12:51 PM
Awnn same here, i love my grandparents sweet maria im so grateful for your kindness and generous support. Always a pleasure hearing from you
Kendrick Avatar
June 9, 2024 at 4:10 AM
That is not easy, losing someone you love. You have expressed your feelings very well. Memories are good to hang onto provided they are good memories. If only, we could erase the bad ones. Thanks for sharing your contest entry with us. It reads like a good contender to me. Way to go. Sara K
Empress Avatar
June 12, 2024 at 12:52 PM
Thank you dear sara so grateful
Mcintosh Avatar
June 9, 2024 at 3:19 AM
Love this. I loved my grandparents so very much. Love love love. A Sure winner! God bless you always, love, Gina
Onpaper Avatar
June 9, 2024 at 2:30 AM
What a gorgeous piece!!! The emotions running through this .. with heavy nostalgia… cloaked in coal cobwebs composing skeletal memories; a timeless token of unblemished innocence, absolutely moving … resembling five marbles of childhood that played hide and seek,love that !! I can relate to that too .. empty room of a wise man is never soulless. It shelters fearless footprints of futuristic art, painted with patience, damn!!! Truly never soulless! nightingales croon eclectic elegies to the mourning sky. Mm marvelous piece papi,..
Rhymes Avatar
June 9, 2024 at 2:27 AM
This is so heart touching … so nice
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