Vagabond Dreams

how old are they now
those that fell by the wayside, one foot in the unknown
the others that disappeared to the other side of the moon

why were they lost,  spilling into the wind
tossed upwards, cast aside, like an unrequited memory
giving way like broken clouds 
silently dispersing into the vast, midnight sky

how did we let them go…
turn our backs on an exodus we don't quite recall
while they took their leave without a sound, ...not an echo, nor a cry

fragments may reappear
weary and worn, without a name
disguised by the ashes that hide the flame 

how often do we believe we might see them ignite 
rising up from the alter of youth 
like a sunrise from the afterlife

but grasses grew unplanted
sprouting out of nowhere
to fill the vacant spaces
we didn't know were there

____________________________________________________
8/31/21
contest Vagabond Dreams
sponsor Craig Cornish
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Kapoor Avatar
April 12, 2024 at 10:30 AM
Excellent expressions about ambitions and dreams dear friend Carrie. It is always a joy to see your poems and reading your beautiful mind. I am aware that you are not writing after 2021 but you would always live with your sweetness with your friends. Love and best wishes for you where you are.......Ravindra
Ray Avatar
May 19, 2023 at 10:06 PM
had to come back to this because it is so different in how i feel....i just don't look back ......fascinating as Spock would say...
Dillard Avatar
December 30, 2022 at 7:29 PM
What a beautiful poetic expression about what happens to our dreams as we slowly loose them while traveling life's highway, and replace them with the reality that becomes our life. I look back at those turns that have brought me here, and I'm pleased with my journey. I'm so glad to have stopped by, old friend.
Richards Avatar
December 31, 2022 at 7:48 AM
Hello Ray, How wonderful to hear from you, to remind me of the early days of Poetry Soup, and the kindness of people like yourself. Thank you for your friendship and the lovely comment! I hope you and your family are doing well! I'm seldom here, but amazed to see so many have joined, names I don't know. It was great to see an old friend!
Ray Avatar
June 8, 2022 at 8:52 AM
absolutely delightful and insightful....wonderful read
Horsman Avatar
January 22, 2022 at 8:46 PM
Why were they lost? Great question Carrie, so much luck needed today, so many already there, forces others down. Looking at some of my old favourite poems, some by yourself, decided to take a visit. love this poem, will join the others i've already tucked away for a rainy day...Hope you are keeping well. Harry
Sambourne Avatar
December 24, 2021 at 7:08 PM
Vagabond dreams are remarkably coveyed in your lyrical verse. Your final stanza is thoughtfully moving - the strong end to a very fine write. Sincerest regards. Brian
Goff Avatar
November 7, 2021 at 6:28 PM
Sweet remembrance Carrie!
Jordan Avatar
October 13, 2021 at 12:29 PM
Carrie, Hello my old friend. This poem brought forth a lot of contemplation and thought. Deep and beautiful, I miss all of you, MJ
Peranteau Avatar
September 21, 2021 at 9:51 AM
Hello there dear poet! I know, long time no read...;)...i feel melancholic after reading this :]...but that's a reaction, we writers live for that! Great job Carrie...have a great week...much love, james
Kauffman Avatar
September 13, 2021 at 10:51 AM
Carrie, this is a stunning piece with a string of pondering questions and amazing imagery and word use - "fragments...without a name," "others...disappeared...to the other side of the moon," "sunrise from the afterlife." Congratulations on your win. All the best.
Mitra Avatar
September 11, 2021 at 4:44 AM
Really nice Carrie....loved the last four lines of this poem.... Congrats on your win :)
Richards Avatar
September 11, 2021 at 12:34 PM
Thank you very much Carol! I'm honored to be in your company, and again, congrats on your winning poem!!
Lawless Avatar
September 11, 2021 at 4:25 AM
Beautifully written Carrie. The last stanza captures an image of emptiness....refilled...but still present.
Richards Avatar
September 11, 2021 at 12:34 PM
Thank you John. It was good to be part of this challenge again, after a long break :) Thanks for the encouragement!
Agustin Avatar
September 10, 2021 at 11:41 PM
Wow! Congrats! Thanks for sharing this. God bless you.
Richards Avatar
September 11, 2021 at 12:35 PM
Thank you so very much!!
Rose  Avatar
September 10, 2021 at 6:27 PM
I'd forgotten how much I loved your poetry Carrie, congrats and welcome back dear .
Richards Avatar
September 11, 2021 at 12:36 PM
And you've always been so welcoming, kind with your words, Mystic Rose! Thank you!!
Parker Avatar
September 1, 2021 at 12:05 PM
nice to read your poetry again' welcome back and with a poem I believe will win
Richards Avatar
September 1, 2021 at 2:54 PM
You are too kind, but thank you Frederic. It is nice to have such a nice welcome back
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