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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

Copyright © Lawrence Sharp | Year Posted 2019

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Richard Lamoureux Date: 8/10/2019 8:56:00 AM I enjoyed rereading this one. Login to Reply Lawrence Sharp Date: 8/12/2019 12:15:00 AM A second read I always take as a good thing.

David Smith Date: 6/14/2019 9:07:00 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 Login to Reply Lawrence Sharp Date: 6/15/2019 9:33:00 AM Thanks for visit and comment, David, glad you enjoyed.

Connie Marcum Wong Date: 5/13/2019 9:41:00 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. : ) Login to Reply Lawrence Sharp Date: 5/13/2019 11:52:00 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 Date: 5/11/2019 12:39:00 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. Login to Reply Lawrence Sharp Date: 5/11/2019 2:46:00 AM Thanks, Mark, too kind, and very gratifying, given the great power of your own pen.

Susan Ashley Date: 5/10/2019 9:16:00 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 Login to Reply Lawrence Sharp Date: 5/11/2019 2:44:00 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 Date: 5/3/2019 1:05:00 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. Login to Reply Lawrence Sharp Date: 5/3/2019 1:27:00 PM Your angle is a thoughtful one, Kim. Thank you for visit and comment, very well received.

Richard Lamoureux Date: 4/28/2019 12:11:00 PM An excellent introspective piece. Login to Reply Lawrence Sharp Date: 4/29/2019 12:08:00 AM Thanks Richard, very pleased you enjoyed.

Nette Onclaud Date: 4/27/2019 1:04:00 PM this unsettles me and that's good, lawrence, as the paradox of emotions/ insights hangs suspended waiting for closure...gripping work!...huggs Login to Reply Lawrence Sharp Date: 4/28/2019 2:06:00 AM Thanks so much, Nette, always good to have your words of appreciation.

Mystic Rose Rose Date: 4/24/2019 9:13:00 PM I am deeply touched by your poem this evening Lawrence, you make me feel. Login to Reply Lawrence Sharp Date: 4/25/2019 12:20:00 AM Thank you so much, Pix, it's really good to have you here.

Brandy Nicole Date: 4/24/2019 8:52:00 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 Login to Reply Lawrence Sharp Date: 4/25/2019 12:19:00 AM Thank you, Branderz, always good to have your words of appreciation.

Robert Lindley Date: 4/24/2019 6:13:00 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... Login to Reply Lawrence Sharp Date: 4/25/2019 12:18:00 AM Thank you, my friend, your words of commendation never fail to encourage.

Jasmine Koria Date: 4/24/2019 1:57:00 PM This is a lovely piece, Lawrence! Login to Reply Lawrence Sharp Date: 4/25/2019 12:17:00 AM Thank you, Jasmine... so good to see you back on the soup !

Vijay Pandit Date: 4/24/2019 12:25:00 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. Login to Reply Lawrence Sharp Date: 4/25/2019 12:16:00 AM Thanks, Vijay, good to have your support, always.