Eileen Manassian Poet Dramatic Monologue

The Ghostland

it's not the same anymore
this is a haunted place
all the living
happy and smiling
writing a pretty line
feeling sublime
but....it's a ghostland to me
drab
drear
desolate

poets I used to know
those on fire
dripping passion
after a fashion
laughter resounding
keys getting a pounding
poetry driven
friendships? A given
throbbing...alive

Now? Memories survive
for slowly they perished
not being cherished
tired and sore
they couldn't take more
and they....walked out the door

dead to this place
they left just a trace
their poetic legacy
forgotten camaraderie
leering at me

word ghosts that haunt
rhyme echoes that taunt
empty places
forgotten faces

I'm one of the walking dead
your words alive in my head
So much left unsaid

The ghostland? It's here
more will leave, I fear
the precious, the dear
but as for me?

I'll remain...complacent and plain
feeling the drain
emotions slain
thoughts on the wane
I remain...I stay
hitting that replay
of your memory
ghosts of what used to be
your words living, breathing
here....
inside of...
me.

Eileen Manassian

*Since this has become POTD and will get exposure, I need to clarify something. This came to me, in part, after reading the news that Jack Ellison is thinking of leaving PS. He's a dear soul. I wrote this because there are several poets whom I miss....poets who are not as active or who have left altogether. This poem is not reflective of PS as I know there are many who are thriving here...AS THE POEM INDICATES. It's just my personal feelings. Thank you for respecting that.

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Darlene De Beaulieu June 3, 2018 at 6:50 PM Helo Eileen, yes i also know what it is like to see our favourite poets leave. I do not think that Jack is leaving ps. I have commented on his poetry just recently. and got an answer back. have a nice evening my friend.

Paul Callus May 12, 2018 at 7:58 AM Hi Eileen, I can understand how you feel when old acquaintances disappear from sight. We miss them and their writing, and keep hoping that they'll make a comeback. On the other hand, we are lucky to cross paths with new members who bring a breath of fresh air to the site. ~ Belated congrats on p.o.t.d. I have not been on much these past few days, mainly because I've been a bad boy, getting hurt when falling off a ladder when a branch it was resting against broke! ~ Hugs // paul

Anne-Lise Andresen May 10, 2018 at 6:49 AM - Congratulations on p.o.t.d., Eileen :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Richard Lamoureux May 9, 2018 at 12:16 PM For me I can’t put the same emotional energy I once did. Things change and I feel bad I don’t have the same time to visit and read pieces from many talented friends here. Eileen Manassian May 9, 2018 at 12:19 PM Richard...please don't ever ever phase out. It would be intolerable for me here without you.

Charlie Smith May 8, 2018 at 12:22 PM Great write Eileen, so sorry to hear about Jack, so sorry to keep saying I'm sorry. Congratulations on POTD honors... Eileen Manassian May 8, 2018 at 5:07 PM Thanks for coming by, Charlie...Don't be sorry. Jack is back to writing...Hugs

Susan Ashley May 7, 2018 at 9:32 PM Eileen, I've read the comments below and your lovely personal note and I understand the purpose and the heartfelt feelings of sad longings that inspired your elegant and poignant poem. It's ok to grieve the poets and days of yesterday.. You grieve so beautifully and soulfully from a deep place of love. Belated congratulations on your excellent and well deserved POTD honors. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan Eileen Manassian May 7, 2018 at 10:57 PM Thank you, Susan...not only for reading my poem, but for wanting to know more of the backstory. I try to be positive, but nostalgia hits me pretty hard at times. I guess it's part and parcel of who I am...Melancholy/sanguine. So...the past always seems better, in a way. Thanks for the visit. I will be by to visit soon. Hugs

Eve Roper May 7, 2018 at 9:07 PM Awe, Jack i think will be writing, but not as often I hope So many are missed.. Belated congratulations on POTD great poem... Hugs sweet lady Eileen Manassian May 7, 2018 at 10:58 PM Thank you, dear. I don't want to lose any more friends on this site. I appreciate the lovely visit and post. Hugs, dear.

Dean Wood May 7, 2018 at 8:30 AM Eileen, congratulations on POTD recognition. This is a well written poem. It resonates with me as I too am missing some dear friends lately. I have only been here for a year but I have grown as a result. There are so many whose works have taught me. You are one of those, thanks for that. Dean Eileen Manassian May 7, 2018 at 11:04 AM Thanks, Dean, for the visit and the kind comment. Maybe it's just me...I love deeply and get very attached to people. I try not to, but it's in my nature...those whom I love...I never forget. I'm glad you have enjoyed your time here and I hope you will continue to thrive. Blessings.

John Gondolf May 7, 2018 at 5:14 AM Eileen, in my short time on PS I have seen several good writers leave and we do miss reading their work; I always have high hopes that they will return. On the other hand there are new members joining whose writing is incredible. In that respect PS is like a microcosm of life. But we do miss old friends. A belated congrats on POTD. John Eileen Manassian May 7, 2018 at 11:05 AM We live with hope...there is nothing else we can do. I'm glad you are reaching out to the newbies. They need that. Thanks for the visit and the congrats. Blessings.

Kai Michael Neumann May 7, 2018 at 4:50 AM Congratulations on poem of the day. This is very funny and I appreciate that I have natural curls even more now. Many wishes, Kai Eileen Manassian May 7, 2018 at 11:07 AM You meant this for Nina, I know...A glitch on PS that hasn't been resolved! Take care, dear.

Alexis Y. May 7, 2018 at 2:10 AM Hi Eileen, I share your sentiments in this well written and heartfelt piece. Congratulations on getting the poem of day. It was well deserved:-)Alexis Eileen Manassian May 7, 2018 at 11:08 AM Thanks, sweetie. Appreciate having you around. :) Hugs and blessings.

Ashok Kumar Mishra May 7, 2018 at 1:02 AM Congratulations on POTD. ~Ashok Eileen Manassian May 9, 2018 at 12:29 PM Thanks ever so much, Ashok.

Leanne Lovejoy-Burton May 6, 2018 at 4:39 PM Hi Eileen. Congrats on POTD . Such a heartfelt yet sad poem. It certainly hit me in the spot it should have. I think your work, what I have read so far, is beautiful and of high quality. Your stories have enthralled & captivated me tonight. I don't think it is about numbers or comments, at all (bold, italics, underscore that sentence). I think it is actually about expanding your own mind and abilities to explore new territories, i.e. ways of conceptualising and delivering your story . It is a blank canvas where you can get your stories out that you personally love or that rev your juices up..and then onto your readers to love or not, yet interact with your mind. Leanne Lovejoy-Burton May 6, 2018 at 7:56 PM Eileen, swing on by my SoupMail anytime to shoot the breeze. I'm looking for strong female collaborators. It's sometimes necessary to walk away for a little while to reassess, renew, revigorate - that's part of the creative process....but reaching out to swap minds is a real swim out into the deep far away from the shore, sometimes it can be truly exhilarating. Keep writing your stories. x Jack Cooper May 6, 2018 at 6:24 PM What a brilliant piece of work I love all your expressions the way it flows from line to line. I especially like the way you rhyme. I am a jack2 congratulations on your P.O.T.D. I will be looking forward to reading more from you. Eileen Manassian May 6, 2018 at 5:26 PM Thank you for your thoughtful post, Leanne. I appreciate the time it took to read my poem and to offer your insight. You are spot on with your appraisal of this site. It means a great deal to me...however, I've been here for a good long while and I know that not everything here is ideal. Sometimes, some comments have made me doubt my writing ability, my character, and even my sanity. I've received hate as well as love. Misunderstandings happen, but poetry remains. Thanks for the visit. I'll be by to visit soon. Leanne Lovejoy-Burton May 6, 2018 at 4:40 PM There are new poets here, who have much to learn from you (as well as the stable of other genius writers I am reading who are stalwarts) who will be honest in their appraisal of your work, sensitive to your creative muse and will stand by you to encourage and offer collaboration/friendship. Don't go, you have a raw and very special gift, I feel we are only just seeing the beginning of something very unique. X Leanne

Daniel Turner May 6, 2018 at 11:24 AM Congratulations on POTD Eileen. I guess sometimes life gets in the way. I know some of those who have left were even gifted with lifetime memberships and they still left. It seems like some people have very large egos and there are simply too many poets and not enough "love". Personally, my muse is on vacation. I still read, just don't comment much. It's nice to see you are still coming around occasionally. I love your poem! Eileen Manassian May 6, 2018 at 5:20 PM Awwwww...thanks, Daniel. I'm sorry your muse is on vacation because you are VERY TALENTED. I will have a word with her and hope she gets out of her lethargy. It's sad to know some have left even though they had a lifetime membership. Some have legitimate reasons that are connected to this place. It's true we won't all get along, but there should be the understanding that we must live and let live. Thanks for the visit, dear.

Constance La France May 6, 2018 at 10:07 AM Eileen, first congratulations on POTD with this amazing write. The feels expressed in your poem are exactly what many of us are feeling. But like you I will not leave, ever . . . Eileen Manassian May 6, 2018 at 5:18 PM Hello, dear. Thank you for the visit. :) Some of us have too much invested here to ever leave. Sometimes we need a break, but we know the way back. Thanks for being one of the active an kind members here. Bless you.

Winged Warrior May 6, 2018 at 9:59 AM A dysfunctional family at best...but still, would be great to remain together...we all have our faults...but unfortunately, time changes everything...hopefully Eileen your beautiful well-written poem thru the ripple effect can touch a few hearts...and Congrats! on POTD!...love & light...^WW^ Eileen Manassian May 6, 2018 at 5:16 PM Thank you, WW. You have always been kind. That is something I cannot say for everyone. Yes, sometimes we are very dysfunctional. Maybe that's why some leave...yet, there is enough love and light to make one want to stay. Blessings and thanks for the visit.

Sunlite Wanter May 6, 2018 at 9:51 AM I've always thought you are one of the best since I joined about 2-1/2 years ago. Hope you'll post more. Eileen Manassian May 6, 2018 at 5:14 PM Awwww....thank you. I'm honored you would think so. It is a joy to have you in this community. Blessings

FJ Thomas May 6, 2018 at 9:49 AM Ayyy my Eilee your heart is almost too big for this planet. I'm so very glad you never left. Many do not know the fire that glows within you ...or the warmth that you emanate. Eileen Manassian May 6, 2018 at 5:13 PM I will keep your words tucked away safely in my heart for the days when dark clouds gather and my heart is heavy. I love you, FJ. You are an inspiration to me...a joy to know. My heart ached when you left, my heart rejoices that you are back. Sending hugs, my dear

Besma Riabi Dziri May 6, 2018 at 9:12 AM I have recently joined PS and have been so far sharing my passion with highly appreciated beautiful souls.. I appreciate what you have gone through which is genuinely expressed in your write! Congratulations on POTD! Stay bright and blessed. Eileen Manassian May 6, 2018 at 5:12 PM Hi, Besma. I'm glad you have found a home here and are able to voice your poetic soul. It's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for the visit.

Faraz Ajmal May 6, 2018 at 8:28 AM Congrats on your poem been chosen as the POTD, it s a really beautiful and sad write,I joined poetrysoup 10 months ago and many people have left so far, you re right that when a nice poet leaves, thing don t look the same way, good luck Eileen Manassian May 6, 2018 at 5:10 PM Faraz....friendships built here are real and that's why one feels they should be lasting. However, for various reasons...poets leave and they leave a big gaping hole in the heart. Thanks for your visit and for being part of this community.

Maria Williams May 6, 2018 at 7:20 AM Congratulations on POTD Eileen on this great write. I've been here only a little over a year and have made some great friends. People who support me and I support them. To me numbers don't matter, comments do, and I am extremely happy with mine. I've personally spoken to Jack, fingers crossed....Maria :) Eileen Manassian May 6, 2018 at 5:09 PM Hi, Maria...I'm glad your experience here is a good one. I love this place....and though it goes through its ups and downs, I won't leave. It's good to be with people who share the same passion for writing. I heard Jack is staying. I'm glad. Hugs

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart May 6, 2018 at 6:20 AM So sad, so eloquently well said. I've only been with the soup just over a year now and even I have felt the exodus. I am missing Jack and others. Glad to read that you're not going anywhere, me neither xo. Wonderful selection for potd, wonderful day to dear, all day every day. xomo! Eileen Manassian May 6, 2018 at 5:07 PM Jack is back, I hear... :) Though you are "new" you have already made a big splash into this pool, Maureen. Thank you for being here and for your lovely comment, dear. Hugs

Jan Allison May 6, 2018 at 6:18 AM Many congrats on POTD Eileen:-) I wish the site was as thriving and vibrant as it was when i joined back in 2014, there are so many I miss especially Lyric Man who joined at the same time as me - he was subjected to stalking and despite changing his name several times it got so bad he was forced to leave, miss my writing buddy Darren Watson too and Kim N P:-( hugs Jan xx Eileen Manassian May 6, 2018 at 5:05 PM Hey, sweetie. I wonder where they are now? I know what you speak of...It is sad...very sad. I know some have legitimate reasons to stay away, but we miss the way it was....the glory days. Anyway, I'm glad you are here to stay, dear. Sending you big hugs.

Demetrios Trifiatis May 6, 2018 at 5:07 AM I hear you loud and clear dearest, Eileen. I completely agree with you! Certainly there were better days and I pray them to return this however is not going to happen if winning is the norm! Fantastic and true writing! Yes, Jack is an institution inside Poetrysoup. Wish him well! Eileen Manassian May 6, 2018 at 5:03 PM My dear philosopher...always good to have you visit my page. You have been with me from the beginning and you know what I am referring to. I hear Jack has decided to stay. Every now and then we need to know that we make a difference. Thanks for your visit, dear. Filakia

Tom Cunningham May 6, 2018 at 2:46 AM But memories stay with us forever. Congratulations on POTD Eileen. Eileen Manassian May 6, 2018 at 3:04 AM Thank you, Tom. This was inspired in part by your blog about Jack. I just posted a comment on it and visited Jack's latest poem. We all go through phases. I know he loves PS too much to stay away...at least I hope so. Blessings.

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