ThatJimGuy's Blog

ghosts in the river
——————

AND I went down to the dock
walked the
familiar path
slower, now and heavier
the stones were crumbling
strange
after all, the rocks, the shells
still seemed the same
the sand
the water glistening
in my old eyes

Stood and used
all my senses to take it all in
and remembered with joy and pain
I saw our ghosts on the river
swimming, sailing, fishing…
it was almost too much
for my decrepit brain

And I wanted to dive in
and drown with our ghosts
and be who we were again
to swim amongst the seaweed and reeds
to feel the salty breeze
to sail the winds
of yesterday

I hesitated
on the edge
the sea-birds calling our names…

The boat is gone
you have another
Our wives are gone
we have each other
friends forever (We promised!)

And it is sad but fitting
that we share this bond
for we ran fast and far
when we were young
DARING the wind to catch us!

I see our ghosts
of years gone by
sailing the river
with a tear in my eye
though I would never admit it
the lump in my throat
I wish I could kill it

SO before I return
leave me this please
and do not tease
my tears
for the ghosts
are watching.