Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, WHEN SHADOWS LENGTHEN, by LOIS MAHAVIER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

WHEN SHADOWS LENGTHEN, by                    
First Line: I am no longer young, and drifting fast
Last Line: No echo answers; yet serene, I go.
Subject(s): Old Age; Secrets; Shadows


I am no longer young, and drifting fast,
Snowflakes are nestling in my chestnut hair;
Across my brow time's ruthless hand has passed,
With stenciled memory of its presence there.

Within my heart are chambers, sealed and barred,
And locked away are poignant, secret woes;
Within my soul are bitter unhealed scars,
Deep pools of pain, where hidden water flows.

These are the fruits of cruel life's endeavor,
That mocks at struggles and stern duty done,
As down the misty years they stand forever,
Mute sentinels of silent battles won.

What glad time there was of joy and laughter,
Burns ever clearer as the days depart;
What sweet days of romance, coming after,
Are sacred tapers, glowing far apart.

Will some strange pilot take me by the hand,
Whose barque shall bear me to an unknown land?
Or shall I mingle with the falling snow,
In some forgotten garden, deep and low?

Mayhap I'll walk familiar paths again,
With haunting memory of their ancient pain;
These are the questions that I fain would know,
No echo answers; yet serene, I go.





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