Ghosts pass by.
Abandoning their armchairs, stubbing out cigars,
swigging the final drop of vintage port
they leave by the back stairs
hanging a sign on the closing door
as they go:
“See You At The Parade.”
Ghosts pass by
evicted from my pineal penthouse,
no longer welcome.
Long squatting ended
they join the Felliniesque fandango
and pass on by – animals, sprites and
crying phantoms in wheelchairs and on stilts.
Ghosts pass by
and turn their eyes my way
but no longer have a claim on me.
In wide hats, feather boas
and cloaks of stars they pass, but no longer stay
cluttering dreams for days and years
with swirling mists, droning gabble and icy threats.
Ghosts pass by
the darkened windows of my night and I
watch their two dimensional ambling
with eyes of dawn. The parade is long and filled
with fascinations, fears and the magics of moon.
But I have cut the chain
and am exorcised by love.
Painting and Poem by Clinock.
Painting: 20″ x 30″. Acrylic and oil on canvas. 2013. Click on image for more detail.
Hi John, this is so lovely, the painting and the poem, the reward of loving, and the good part of getting older perhaps. I see the parade…
The parade of exiting ghosts – who needs them in a world of love…thank you Ina…
Wow, John, art and poem resonate heavily for me…Strong images…
So happy to touch base with you my friend – thank you…
These ghosts have certainly left a mark…
Very strong painting, John. Beautiful vibrant colors.
Thank you so much for your kind words Marina…
Felliniesque fandango – perfect allusion
Thanks Carl – an Italian Grappa dance perhaps?
This poem is haunting! Excellent images…I see the parade too!
Your comment appreciated as always CC – many thanks…
When the light shining within is so bright, ghosts have no chance of survival. Amazed by your poem and painting, and powerful interaction between them – keeps echoing…
and will continue echoing through sun filled passages of time – your words touch my heart Ese…
Both are so beautiful! Be glad yours were exercised!
Thank you – Gladness is mine Carl – may all of your ghosts also join in the parade…
The colours in the painting are exceptional…with such rich texture. This is one that seems so yummy to be edible! I’ve been away teaching for a couple of months and it is great to catch up on my reading.
You may feast on my ghosts anytime although they may play hell with your digestion…Always wonderful to hear from you Kathleen and thank you for your words…
Love the painting! Loved the poem and it reminds me of Charles Dickens Christmas classic and the ghosts of the past. But could be the future! So much to it.
Ghosts of the past for sure….glad you liked this Judy – thank you