Ghosts

Ghosts
(John Raymond Pollard)
2005-07-16

    Many times our footsteps fell together
    on mud and grass, broken glass, and snow.
    Many years ago I can remember
    how your script was the fool,
    how you sauntered so cool,
    and you sunned by the pool, so long ago...

    As I see you lying there in candle light, so still,
    your family and friends console each other.
    I feel a chill.
    Can small children know?
    Where did their daddy go?
    The tomb's a grim stone teacher,
    hard and cold.
    Jim, I once was best friends with your brother.
    I hadn't seen him once these past ten years.
    You know, it's quite a shock when you discover
    how much people change
    and yet remain the same.
    We grow old from the strain of all we know.

    Did the wind pick up,
    disturb a lake that slumbered still
    and your limbs grow numb past ache
    when faced with liquid chill?
    The waters surround
    a boat sinking down.
    You do the dead man's float
    to Banshee's sound.

    Jim, I try to walk upon the water,
    but my footsteps can't enchant the seas.

    I ache for love and warmth
    that I once thought were so sacred and fine;
    it's aimless waves I climb.
    I've never left a footprint where I've been.

    Jim, the winds are silent now;
    the water's standing still.
    With feet torn ragged on the rocks
    I face the river's chill.
    Though waters surround
    I vow I won't go down
    As I seek the peace that you have found.