for whom not a day was promised
66
i look back casually for i hate offending you
but i behold no footprints only unsettled dust
descending like some meteor shower, an end.
so i dream of (i think) what i have not become.
we're past kilometre zero, but where is here?
i lost myself a while back , sorry i have to ask
i see hundreds of signposts but no destination
why do you let me suffer crashing into ghosts?
there is no turning back, all the doors are shut
shall i turn left now instead? or turn right there?
you must decide while the graffiti enthralls me
someone was here and i don't even have a wall.
alas my friend, now i am but stale coffee, insipid.
please empty the old cup and let me become rain
at least i am something from where there's none
certainly a gift for whom not a day was promised.
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Comments
You see no footprints because you either tread softly as usual or a friend was carrying you my son. No, one can not go back, but reflections are pondered and one must continue to grow. You're young, it will come and I do hope you find the one you are searching for. I lovee the one I know at present. Good work Cris.
@dohn
thanks my friend. and i'm glad to see you too (er, what happened to the eye? oh it's pirates' day!). have i told you that you are one of the nicest hubbers ever ever? :D
@Charlie
(stops for a moment then writes) you know what, i don't think i can ever blind you with words. you see through me like nobody else can ('cept maybe for john but he's dead now LOL). i may be young in years but this soul is feeling old. but then again, this old soul can have a day from/with you anytime, ain't that right? :D
Cris, this is heartbreaking.
Stale coffee you are not--
if only I were to warm your cup
with dear words which encourages
thee, dissatisfied?
Worry not, dear friend,
for gentle wisdom doth
comfort thee and with
opened arms shall thee fall in--
waiting.
-missed you, hugs-
It is a sense of hopelessness; very sad.
Cris, I think of you often and wonder and worry and miss you too. John is well, John. Things have changed a lot, and change can be stressful. Sure wish I could drink some coffee with ya right now and smoke a fag too. 'Twould be nice. Love now, CC
@sandy
But such is the nature of life - otherwise, i'd rather be dead. So i take it and write about it. It's cathartic and i feel much braver now. Walking wounded but walking still. Thanks for the open arms - i know you know how it is. :D
@Pete
Now I feel apologetic! LOL Thanks for reading :D
The lack of footprints doesn't always mean someone wasn't there or wasn't touched. You are my poet of choice. Hope this means you'll be around more often.
And they say I'm the queen of unrequited love. You must be king, then! At least, that's how I read this. Maybe I'm biased. BESOS!
The first line is so visible to me. It sets the stage so perfectly for the thoughts that are to come... Thoughts of sudden awareness of what was. Made me think of so many times in my life, these types of thoughts spoken only to myself in the middle of nothing in particular.
Excellent graphic to go with this (as per usual =).
@charlie
If a day was promised, that would be it! Nice thought, C. should help carry me through the night when I asleep. And through the day when wake up! :D
@Jerilee
That's so kind of you. Thanks very much. As Scarlett said, tomorrow's another day - I'm hopeful and fatalistic like that! LOL Yeah, I've no plans of disappearing. It's just that work gets in the way most of the time :D
@Elena
I'm not telling (not the hubber). As I've always said, once a (ahem) poet publishes his poem, it's no longer entirely his. Besos :D
@Frieda
I can relate to what you said as i felt like the chair in the image when I was writing this.
Btw, thanks for the link - I'll make sure to visit your site (EOL) :D
Thanks for sharing another intimate and achingly beautiful piece of you with us adoring fans! The adoration is renewed and solidified with each new gem you put out, Cris.
I don't always get a chance to comment, but please know that I'm one of many who finds great pleasure in these gifts you give us, in form of poetry.
The words are stated so simply, and yet each one is really just the topmost layer of the multiple dimensions existing somehow simultaneously on your enchanted page. I feel like I've experienced some sensory-heightening treatment. (I needed that!)
Gifted, you are! :D
RooBee
Thanks for the words that comfort, they're greatly appreciated. And I'm glad that this affected you the way it did :D
Really missed feeling the depth and intimacy of your achingly beautiful poetry. This was worth waiting for, although sorry it speaks of anguish. I love the image; it so appropriately portrays the message. And the words themselves, even without the layered meanings, are compelling. Thanks Cris.
alek
I'm sorry if I have kept you waiting, work gets in the way (LOL). Anyway, I'm glad you found the time to drop by, comments like yours keep the fire in me burning. So I thank you in return. :D
As always you have captured our thoughts and souls in your wonderful words. As we all have a space such as yours sometime in our lives..But the sun rises everyday and there is always more to learn and more to conquer...
Oh by the way Good Luck in the Contest...My prayers and another glass of wine (hee hee) actually drinking coffee tho...:O) hugs G-Ma Lurve ya moreeee
now, see...this is what stops me from coming here, yet it compels me to come. it's like having someone poke at forgotten wounds lol
@G-Ma
It's hard to to lose hope with people like you around! That's why I lurve ya back just as much! :D
@swani
hey you! it's been a long time. I appreciate your making your presence felt this time. Btw, I know that you always read my new hubs all the time - i just know :D
Awashed on an isolated island?? It is a dream Kuya :) Perfect again...
I had this all wrong till I read Charlie's comment. I thought it was a limbo after death thing. But that's what great about your work Cris, I have to chew on it.
As one who is not above microwaving yesterday's stale coffee (while new pot is brewing), let me add to the chorus of support, add my arms to the hub love huddle.
(((CrisA))) MM
I love the feeling of walking into the middle of this poem. Very much enjoyed.
Cris, As always...I love this. And I love you too! Always take care of yourself. :D
I am so happy to see another piece of art from you my friend. My spirit has been restless, just sitting in a chair like the one in your pic, just waiting for your words that strike so deep, and talks clearly to my soul. You are so beautiful my friend. :-)
The line "please empty the old cup and let me become rain", is like a painting to me, I can actually see the visuals of this line, the emotions of a deep sadness, and it touches my heart. Only a man with a beautiful soul, can write the way you do. If you ever publish a poetry book with the photos you use, let me know, I will purchase the book for sure!
Awww you are the suweetest bunch! Thanks for reading and leaving such wonderful comments. Truly, they are all appreciated and leave me inspired! :D
PS Good to see ya Whikat! Still no time to hub? :D
I'm here for my forth read.. Ahh, this place you share feels so familiar to me...You have such an amazing way with touching the depths of my soul and there as well is comfort that even feeling an isolated path we collectively are never along. Thank you for yet another inspiring piece..love the image,too!
Hi Cris,
From where I am - a resounding wow to your lovely poem!
Yes, your poem paints unrequited love but that is only one layer of your work. The other layers are all about the things that are unsaid which for me are all about the reverse of unrequited love. Beautifully written as usual. I'm bringing this line home ...."please empty the old cup and let me become rain"...whew, diamonds indeed!
i*n*v*i*c*t*u*s
Your comment reads like a poem unto itself. I'm glad this poem somehow made a connection. Thanls for dropping by, for the fourth time :D
hey france
How are you? It's been a long time.(or maybe I've been away a long time!). Ahh the layers - life is like an onion indeed. Again, your presence on my hubs is always appreciated. Always. :D
Where there's Chris there has to be some rain? God to see you again! :)
FP
Aha! I see an old friend! Nice to see ya, as always er everytime I pop on here I mean. LOL
Yeah, now I notice too! :D
We all cry for the treasure of purpose...every time we reach for it, it vanishes....only to appear in another moment. You gave a friend a smile this morning...wonderful poem Cris. LYM! :)
So true, so wise. Now you made me smile. Maybe I'll do a little gardening later? Haha LYM!
hello there..... are you into speaking in riddles, at the moment, or is my perception not what it should be.... i feel you are always around on hubpages.... lurking somewhere.
I forgot you are no good in reading between the lines! LOL (just read your poem about it). Anyway, no, my lurking days are over. When I'm not here, I'm not here. So sad but true. But hey, nice to see you as always my friend. :D
no good at reading between the lines at all, and always my perceptions are wrong...... nice to see you here at last, i credit lots of people as being you....... are you sure you don't just sometimes lurk a little...
Yes, I'm sure I don't lurk even if I wanted to. Oh, who are these hubbers? You got me interested. :D
Hi Cris. Enjoying the 3-day weekend? =) What can I say? "Great hub / poem" seems to be inadequate for this one (and all your other poems by the way). So I'll just sit back and enjoy your hub =). TC.
hey emie
Yeah, you can say that again! Thank God for holidays, at least it affords me time to hub! Thanks for reading :D
'there is no turning back, all the doors are shut' - oh Cris - even your heartbreak must needs have a beautiful platform made of exquisite visuals and wordcraft. There's always a better door that's open ahead Cris - so good to have you back!
Such a healthy soul, a wonder, a mystery to behold. How can someone as humble as I am know you in this place hubbers call home? You are an inspiration to me, Cris. Really,really! You are always my personal favorite.
Oh Cris, all I can say is that I agree with my daughters comment above (Jerilee Wei) for you and you alone have made me stop and read poetry which I did not do before. You my (young whipper snapper) have taught this ole lady a new thing to add to my list in life---thank you.
"I behold no foot-prints"---sorry sweetie for you have left BIG foot-prints and we will follow you all the way.
I'm printing this for my wall - wow- bravo-you aced this, glad I'm your fan,
Cheers, Kimberly
Wow I have really missed your writing. I am so glad you blessed us with this piece.
@shalini - I know, it's just that i forget sometimes.
And yeah, and it feels good to be (slightly) back! LOL
@sheena - Aw that's so suweet - that's why you are one of my favourites too! LOL thanks my friend :D
@Ms Ginn - You always say the nicest things, that's why we're good good friends LOL Seriously, I appreciate the kind words, they're more than enough to keep me going. :D
@lyrics - wow i'm flattered (blushes). thanks :D
@TM - just giving back the inspiration. Thanks for dropping by :D
Holy S***! Great stuff! Took me by surprise, somehow...that "while the graffiti enthralls me
someone was here i don't even have a wall...
Awesome! I wish I could rate this one up repeatedly, like 15 or 20 times.
I like your poetry.
@Paradise7 - Yeah, I'm off to build my own wall...sorta. LOL Thanks for reading and commenting :D
@cindy - glad you made it here. thanks for dropping a line :D
Beautiful surrealistic picture at the top!
Wondering if its a Phillipines thing - where the ghosts came from and the graffiti part reminded me of my own coming of age terrific
Dude, your a champ. Your metaphors are amazing. Everything is rich and vivid. Your last stanza is truly breathtaking. I'm serious. I've read a lot of poetry and I can say that your metaphors and imagery are as good as anyone else I've read. Stop making me so jealous!!!
@LEWJ - Oh, that's my imagination run wild! LOL thanks for dropping by :D
@mega - yeah, i guess by some chance we all experience the same things. Thanks for reading :D
@benji - well look at what the cat dragged in? Hey there benji, sure is nice to see you. Seriously (LOL), I thank you for your kind words. Coming from a poet as great as you, I'm truly humbled :D
PS don't be jealous, I still can't rhyme :C
Really nice poem, creates very dramatic imagery :)
fiona
glad you liked the picture this poem painted. thanks for dropping by :D
Bravo!!! This is what I've missed most, your poetry! What an incredible poem Cris. The very first line grabbed me by the throat: i look back casually for i hate offending you. It's this control of emotion that makes me feel emotional. I could read the entire poem over and over and over again. I think someone else mentioned printing it out, and that sounds like a great idea!
And yes you are something, and that something certainly is quite a gift. :)
Hey Pam
And I think I have missed your comments the most - you flatter me like no other can! Ahh the benefits of close friendship! LOL I'm glad to see you on HP, before I officially declare you AWOL Hahaha Anyway...
Thanks for the encouragement, always. Your words always mean so much to me. Oh you know that of course :D
That's beautiful! I particularly liked: "where is here?" Poetry is for expressing our inner, sometimes confused and some other times overloaded, self. But it also expresses all those things that we can only sense and cannot explain with logic. Loved it!
i agree with you totally, most the time i use poetry as a channel for things I cannot say straight out, or do not know how to say. thanks for appreciating this piece, i'm glad you liked it. :D
hello yes some hubbers had me fooled.... though not on purpose, not telling wrote about Pablo.... if you find his poem about him....... i fell hook line and sinker for him. I know i was not myself at that time and it was soooo good for me i*n*v*i*c*t*u*s... I feel is somehow closely related to Not Telling...... The first sentence on hub pages, was my connection in your poem, and i have not looked back ever since. I am fulfilling a life long ambition to improve my writing, and of course making so many friends on the way. I lost all my work under my own name, just pressed the button and gone...... maybe i will choose another one of your pictures and write around it, i am slightly better at fiction than i once was, i used to think it was like telling lies, my strict religious upbringing, stifling the course of creativity. However i balance both i think now
so many things at the same time... yeah choose one, or i can make you one if you only give me an idea of what you want to see. anyway, just write and write and write... :D
Chris,
Good work. Gave me goosebumps all over!
I didn't mean to! But if it means you enjoyed it... Thanks for reading :D
dohn121 says:
3 months ago
It's good to hear from you again, Cris! I really like the pic and the poem of course compliments it very well. "Crashing into ghosts" took me by surprise! What an awesome line. Only you could've have pulled that off!