I gave up following little footprints
in the dust long ago. I was bored
with finding them on the table,
wooden floor and stairs, invisible
to everyone but me.
I’d started to feel sick
each time I felt her fingers flick
and pinch my arms or stroke my cheek,
and moved to the other side of the bed,
away from the dip in the mattress
and the hollows in my pillows.
But lately, I’ve noticed a small
shadow flickering on the wall,
a faint trace of perfume in the hall,
and someone gently holds my warm hand
in her cold one when I’m feeling sad.
Kim M. Russell, 15th July 2020
My response to Poets and Storytellers United Weekly Scribblings #28: Seeing Things
Today Rommy would like us to shape our words around the phrase ‘seeing things’. What comes to mind when we hear or read that expression? I immediately thought of my recent poem ‘Little Ghost’, which I posted on 6th July: https://writinginnorthnorfolk.com/2020/07/06/little-ghost/ and decided to give the ghost another chance.
Excellent visionary work, KR. She’s always there, like it or not, eh? I’d bet that most folks have one, even if they only come & go. Well done!
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Cheers Ron!
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A haunting poem! My favorite genre! Well done😊
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Thank you, Sue!
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Skillful capture of those deja vu moments when our hair stands on end.
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Thanks Bev!
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I love how this feels like a story, starting off with unease and fear, then evolving into understanding and companionship. I feel like there are hints about other aspects of the speaker’s life too here. (Is the ghost the only one who notices the speaker’s sadness? If so, why?) Good stuff.
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Thank you, Rommy!
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Nice on Kim, luv that fear was conqured. Happy you dropped by to read mine
Much💖love
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I can see those little ghost feet, the small spirit wanting to be close to you. This is haunting, Kim.
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I love ghost stories and have experienced a few ghosts too.
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This is expertly wrought, Kim! 💝 I love the eerie atmosphere and sensory images in this poem especially; “shadow flickering on the wall, a faint trace of perfume in the hall, and someone gently holds my warm hand.” 💝
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Thanks so much, Sanaa! ❤
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I enjoyed your ghostly visitor in both poems, with a preference for this piece for both poetic reasons and the mood. Comfort when needed is always welcome, I think, wherever it comes from. I have some ghosts who turn up lovingly when I need a bit of reassurance.
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Thank you, Rosemary.
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How easy it was to picture the scenes you wrote about; what a satisfying poem this is.
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Thank you, Robin.
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Ghosts within our memories are the most haunting. I enjoyed your giving this ghost it’s second chance.
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Thank you, Joel.
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Nice poem.
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Thank you!
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Eerie…but that slow adaptation to being seen and caring…what a story.
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Thank you, Wyndolynne!
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Amazing poetry!
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Thank you for reading and commenting!
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My pleasure 😊
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So well done, Kim!
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Thank you, Sara!
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