why burrow? what should I want to know
of long ago rooms in ruins; all those faraway feelings
that ran their course and fossilized 

memories will naturally annex themselves
after all, what is recalled is squarely placed
between tall walls or hidebound 

in backlots, recollections stacked as quick change
scenery, historic and painted for the age
when explanation was just enough to silence protest 

yet the time thief still slips past, substituting babies
for foundlings, full grown, holding swaddled imagos
- I count the cost of what is gone and not forgotten

24 thoughts on “keeping a distance”

1. From the very first question, I knew this would be the poem that I wanted to write but fell dismally short of the mark. Yours is remarkable and memorable in every way.

   1. Yours was the prompt and the poem that led the way but thank you for such a generous comment Kerry

2. Absolutely outstanding.

   1. overwhelmed! thank you very much

3. To not be forgotten is a treasure –

   those faraway feelings
   that ran their course and fossilised

   but to hold on too tightly often isn’t good.

   1. indeed – we must grasp the moment – then let it slip but sometimes it tears the heart

4. I especially love that closing line. Wonderful.

   1. many thanks Sherry – hard to put into words that hold the past still has

5. Many layered images and depths.

   1. The past is multi layered Jilly

6. “Why burrow”, why indeed. We can’t let go of the need not to let go 🙂 Wonderful poem, enjoyed it very much,, 🙂

   1. Or abide by the need to let things pass – glad you enjoyed!

7. A unique and interesting viewpoint, very persuasive.

   1. Thank you Rosemary

8. Outstanding! A memorable poem.

9. Many thanks – took me awhile to like

10. Wow, Laura! This is so well done. The opening and closing stanzas are brilliant, and the last line is a gem.

    1. thank you for these very appreciative words

11. Absolutely stupendous!💞

    1. praise indeed thank you Sanaa

12. Really interesting image Laura, I love it. The burrowing concept is nicely explored as well

    1. The photoart is mirrored & made a while back and just seemed to fit the long ago rooms!

13. Damn.

    1. perfectly concise Ana – thank you!

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