Notes About The Poem

image from dreamstime.com

THE EMPTY ROOM

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
the door clicks shut  
leaving only dust particles  
dancing in sunbeam's path.  

four walls hold their breath  
waiting for footsteps  
that never come  

a single nail protrudes  
where a frame once hung  
its shadow stretching longer 
           with each passing hour.  

the silence settles  
thick as plaster dust  
in corners untouched   

no echo answers  
when the floorboards sigh  
beneath the weight of absence.  

light bleeds  
across bare parquet  
marking time in slow degrees.  

air grows stale  
withheld breath and unspoken words 
condensing on the ceiling
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

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

Hind Avatar
November 8, 2025 at 10:38 PM
"light bleeds across bare parquet marking time in slow degrees." a wow, this piece took my breath away
Etgen-Baker Avatar
November 9, 2025 at 5:02 PM
thanks, Paige. I appreciate your enthusiasm for this poem.
Gauthier Avatar
November 8, 2025 at 7:50 PM
The emptiness is totally tangible ~
Etgen-Baker Avatar
November 9, 2025 at 5:01 PM
thanks!
Gondolf Avatar
November 7, 2025 at 5:43 AM
A hauntingly poignant poem, Sara. The dust seems to be the residue of what once filled the room. Nicely written. John
Etgen-Baker Avatar
November 7, 2025 at 7:46 AM
thank you, John, for your visit and meaningful comments
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