Amen

Amen

by pete marshall

The amber glows on darkened walls

as embers spit within the hearth

A finger trawls an ancient list

and takes a name that’s walked its path

The creak of leather mars the sound

as Death would glide across the floor

and from a hook he takes his robe

and holds his scythe to reap once more

The horsemen ride beyond his grasp

to sow the seeds for Death to seek

the roots lie strong within the fields

as harvest gathers in the meek

His mouth is curled with withered lips

and eyes are sunk beyond his soul

his mind cares not for creed or Man

as Death collects his countless toll

************

Originally published at One Stop Poetry 11th Sep 2010

flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/fenoswin/ 

Winters Blues by pete marshall

Winters Blues

by pete marshall

Leaves still cling upon the trees

as cloudless skies embellish rays

of sun that hovers low beneath

the Winter blues that shorten days

Breath encircles worried minds

that hang from spiders silken threads

that shimmer bright in morning light

yet in the shadows harbours death

Damp that settles on the ground

where grass & weeds are mulched as one

that sees the snakes go slither by

whilst Summers work is left undone

A child’s bike lays on its side

left alone to play no more

its wheels entwined with Winters grief

abandoned, broke, upon the floor

A veil is drawn passed waiting eyes

that looked beyond these changing times

where man once walked the beat of life

yet turned his back, we missed the signs

Where hope is lost to those that deem

when Winters wrath sunk Autumn dreams

and storms have battered withered souls

who slip from life before they go……

*************

Elements in the news this week rekindled the pain of losing someone close. Depression is an illness, something that should never be taken lightly, something that is very close to my heart.

Christmas Past.....

Christmas Past...

Snow and frost and hardened ground

where spades would strike no earth was found

the morgues would fill with silent sounds

that held the dead from journeys bound

The last I saw were tired eyes

that spoke of death and long goodbyes

and heavy chests and louder sighs

grasping hands and mothers cries

And Christmas Day was wrought with tears

amongst the gifts lay scattered years

the empty chair were once he cheered 

and bottles full of unused beer

But days do pass and time does heal

as Christmas joy belies the chill

with candles lit we mourn the still

and say our prayers for all who’s ill

************

Christmas is not just a time for children and celebration but also for reflection and remembering. Christmas is always tinged with sadness as we remember those that have gone. The empty chair, the missing presence. 

We lost somebody very close to us just before Christmas a few years back, suicide was to take him, and I dont suppose my wife and I will ever forget. At this time of year when the snow is down and the ground is frozen, the funerals are always delayed as the earth is too hard for burials. The funeral is always a comforting closure to our grieving but as these are delayed so is the mourning. 

Its also at Christmas time when suicide rates steadily increase. If you were to take a walk down any street how many homes lay in the dark? As we all enjoy the festive season let us remember there will always be someone who's life is not want he or she perceived and is struggling on their own as others celebrate, and if we can, in any small part, help them in any way then let that be our gift this Christmas.

Lastly, for all of you have have taken the time to visit my site, read my poetry, share my work and support what I do. Who have offered words of comfort as I have struggled through being unemployed. Who tweet and make me smile, who encourage me with my work, and who have taken that support and followed me to One Stop Poetry...I would like to thank you all and wish the best of seasons greetings and a prosperous New Year!

all the best, and cheers, Pete

image courtesy creative commons http://www.flickr.com/photos/luchilu/2122762150/