Lawrence Sharp Poet Free verse

The Ruins

From afar only
I have surveyed the things once known,
now decayed and crawling
slowly, yet inexorably,
toward a time I’d rather not see.
I have not stood with you
in the desolate places we knew,
places we knew before their desolation,
I fear to stand there
and I fear to be forgotten by you.
I remember them well
and I remember you too,
and you lead me, and chase me,
through mourning and mournful places,
places not known until now.
I may have feared you, loathed you,
or neither, or both,
and perhaps I loved you
or didn't, but should have,
but I could only have loved poorly, I think.
You lead me through unknown wastelands
and chase me through crushing battlefields,
always in the dead of night
when we cannot see
the things that so merrily tear at us.
We dare not see them,
and dare not see our wounds, we needn't,
we feel more surely than we’d see,
and surely they are real,
I fear they may never mend.

24th April 2019

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Richard Lamoureux August 10, 2019 at 8:56 AM I enjoyed rereading this one. Lawrence Sharp August 12, 2019 at 12:15 AM A second read I always take as a good thing.

David Smith June 14, 2019 at 9:07 PM I think this poem works well. Leaves room for speculation. A cautionary tale about where wrong turns in life might lead and how do we know which is a wrong turn at the time. We should be in no great hurry to find out our fate, or give in to mad impulses. Regards David in NZ Lawrence Sharp June 15, 2019 at 9:33 AM Thanks for visit and comment, David, glad you enjoyed.

Connie Marcum Wong May 13, 2019 at 9:41 PM I kind of got the feeling you were speaking to your muse in some of these lines Lawrence. Let the darkness give way to the light. I enjoyed this emotive write my friend. : ) Lawrence Sharp May 13, 2019 at 11:52 PM Your take is a very unexpected one, and worth a good deal of thought. I suppose the muse is often the product of the dark, lonely little rooms. Thanks very much for visit and very thought-provoking comment.

Mark Peterson May 11, 2019 at 12:39 AM Gosh, this is uncommonly good writing. I can hardly single out the numerous memorable passages, so I won’t. Suffice to say, they are legion. Lawrence Sharp May 11, 2019 at 2:46 AM Thanks, Mark, too kind, and very gratifying, given the great power of your own pen.

Susan Ashley May 10, 2019 at 9:16 PM I was absorbed in your compelling introspection with its disquieting quality, Lawrence. I enjoyed being tangled in your conflicting emotions and imagery. Deeply expressive poetry. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan Lawrence Sharp May 11, 2019 at 2:44 AM Thank you very much indeed, Susan, I'm always most pleased when the more personal poems are well received. This one came from a dark place, so your insight is very warmly welcomed.

Kim Rodrigues May 3, 2019 at 1:05 PM Wow! I feel you are talking about fellow soldiers. I love your inner speak. We long to love those we come in contact with and we find ourselves lacking yet still they hold a place for us. Lawrence Sharp May 3, 2019 at 1:27 PM Your angle is a thoughtful one, Kim. Thank you for visit and comment, very well received.

Richard Lamoureux April 28, 2019 at 12:11 PM An excellent introspective piece. Lawrence Sharp April 29, 2019 at 12:08 AM Thanks Richard, very pleased you enjoyed.

Nette Onclaud April 27, 2019 at 1:04 PM this unsettles me and that's good, lawrence, as the paradox of emotions/ insights hangs suspended waiting for closure...gripping work!...huggs Lawrence Sharp April 28, 2019 at 2:06 AM Thanks so much, Nette, always good to have your words of appreciation.

Mystic Rose Rose April 24, 2019 at 9:13 PM I am deeply touched by your poem this evening Lawrence, you make me feel. Lawrence Sharp April 25, 2019 at 12:20 AM Thank you so much, Pix, it's really good to have you here.

Brandy Nicole April 24, 2019 at 8:52 PM There will always be chaos, destruction and decay. There is a glimmer of Hope that slightly surrounds a dying world. Your fears and mine are the same. Powerful words once again caress your pen. ~ Brandy Lawrence Sharp April 25, 2019 at 12:19 AM Thank you, Branderz, always good to have your words of appreciation.

Robert Lindley April 24, 2019 at 6:13 PM This is so very wondrously deep in its questioning of life, relationships, this world's daily challenges, routines and massive number of mysteries. We are flesh and blood prone to savagery, lusts, and confusion, ever seeking peace and a better life. A true gem this, a fav too... Lawrence Sharp April 25, 2019 at 12:18 AM Thank you, my friend, your words of commendation never fail to encourage.

Jasmine Koria April 24, 2019 at 1:57 PM This is a lovely piece, Lawrence! Lawrence Sharp April 25, 2019 at 12:17 AM Thank you, Jasmine... so good to see you back on the soup !

Vijay Pandit April 24, 2019 at 12:25 PM You offer the essence with these opening lines:From afar only I have surveyed the things once known, now decayed and crawling slowly, yet inexorably, toward a time I’d rather not see. One feels the disturbance within..as the ending closes hope..I fear they may never mend. Well written, Lawrence. Lawrence Sharp April 25, 2019 at 12:16 AM Thanks, Vijay, good to have your support, always.