Haunted (Burned)

Everyone I know says this house is haunted.

Looking at it from the outside, you'd never guess

That it was burned.

They say a ghost sifts through the ashes

Searching for what was lost.

I caught a glimpse, through the window

Of flesh stained white with grief and sorrow.

When i heard her mournful keening cry

I knew just then I had to find a way inside.

I was captured by her echoing grief

This living soul lost to the past.

But when I stepped inside, wonder

Halted my breath, for I thought to find

Nothing but dirt and ashes, burned

Remnants from the fire long ago.

But everywhere there were plants,

Flowers, trees, and herbs

Their roots spread in a fertile mix

Of dirt and ash, with vines spread all

About the walls and roof.

I caught the sense of joy

Whose roots were spread as thin

As these healthy plants which nevertheless

Clearly walked a fine line between life and death.

There seemed a fragile heartbeat pumping softly

From each corner of this house

Painted bright with colors

Dim in the fading light.

I tread softly, with reverence and wonder

A deep care in every step laid with honor.

Perhaps it was this which kept

Her from noting my presence

Just until I laid eyes upon her

Turning in the bright gloom

As if sensing the weight of my eyes

We locked,

Gazing,

Ascertaining souls in a glance

In that way that two souls,

Familiar, can sometimes recognize a stranger.

In that moment, I read

The countless moments since her tragedy.

Weeping confusion, lost in pain

And a deep, divine wondrous grace

Which seeks to paint the world

With all the love and light stolen from her

By the greedy grasp of flame.

As we stand, entranced-

Unable to move away or come closer-

I see bright colors painting her skin

Underneath the ash so long settled there

And my wonder multiplies.

I long for nothing more, in that moment

Than to take her hand

And lead her forth into the light of day

To break down these walls and show

Everything she thought had been lost.

My hand extended

My lips searching for something to say

That might make her smile and laugh

And make the ghosts vanish from her eyes

For even a single moment

But all I can think to say is "hi, I love you."

I can't help but wonder what she sees

In the mirror- I see a Phoenix

Ready to emerge from the ashes

And flare to a brilliant life-

If you'll let me, I'll be right by your side

Every step of the way.

I don't ask you to forget the past

Or to let go the weight of grief

But I would ask you to take my hand

So we can walk into the future together

And paint a vibrant and wondrous

World full of life and love.

a reply to: LucidWarrior

I loved this so much.
Thanks for sharing, Lucid.

Beautiful thoughts; beautifully expressed. Thanks for sharing.

a reply to: LucidWarrior

You've always been a master at authoring the most breath taking prose and stories. You bring such things to life with carefully chosen words and imagery. Like famous writers from a time long ago, your works will be remembered and cherished. Get published and work your magic.

Thank you for sharing this today Lucid!

a reply to: LucidWarrior
"In the mirror- I see a Phoenix

Ready to emerge from the ashes"
THIS Resonates right now. ❤

Thank you all for reading replying, and receiving.

You are all very welcome, and, access denied, I'm glad I could give you a little push.

Nightstar- your words take hold in me. I will, don't you fret. You will hold a book from me- a signed copy

I am sad though. I wrote this for someone and left it somewhere they could see it(not here.) But they didn't see it, or if they did, didn't care to let me know they did. :O

a reply to: LucidWarrior

I am sad though. I wrote this for someone and left it somewhere they could see it(not here.) But they didn't see it, or if they did, didn't care to let me know they did. :O

Their loss. Point it out to the person and ask them what they think. Don't be sad, life is too short for that. Push ahead, move forward, one step at a time into your future where possibilities lie.

I hate to admit this (sorta) as I am more of an action, blood and guts kinda guy but....I REALLY ENJOYED THAT !!!