The Staircase…seen better days
The past lingers in our minds, but also in the places we called home, where experience was blessed and bestowed. Here, memories like flickering films, renew our minds as to the past and years gone by, colouring our present with afferent scripts of plays now forgotten. Here we are immersed with visions, both fond and distressing, darkness and light where we grew up to believe in ourselves. Hope you enjoy the following poem…
The Staircase…seen better days
A staircase wonder, never ending,
while a chandelier suspended in thin air sates
the winding ascension in question,
balustrades unflinching, cracked yet stoic
take the space to ethereal musing,
as light through a cracked roof, glimmers,
shards thick with dust simmer
like a cauldron’s brew, a stew of past regret,
yet there it is the rise to what,
an elegant stair to a question as yet unasked.
Marble stones and arches grey,
tinted by time’s affray,
striations singing in harmonious tones,
subtle hues in tender forms
admit a lavish past, cast
of its now impoverished stillness,
wordless angst and yearning fullness,
as an open door in welcome narrates
a seamless yesterday as time abates
and settles into a maudlin state.
Echoes are shallow, cold the air,
as each walls stares in rebuke
of all that is and had been,
when life in social graces evoked
a far better state,
and in the shadows of pillars still
an aching heart lost of will
holds fast to remnants,
flickers of coloured moments
now turned a sorrowful grey.
But the staircase stands, no destination
but an enticing hand invites footsteps
to conquer its upward climb,
seek once again the comfort of silken repose,
and the dreams once grown,
to abide its regret of fall,
its lingering symphonic awe of past,
when joy abounded, conquest astounded
and respect walked the halls
as striving served its most elegant rewards.
Tony DeLorger’s Books for Review and Purchase
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Beautifully penned with vivid imagery of the nostalgic memories of the past. I relate to this piece, Tony, for I have similar memories and they helped me get to a stage in life where my ex and I are dear friends. Great work indeed. Take care.
Glad you appreciated it Phyllis, take care.
Wonderfully penned and most creative. A great tribute to majestic staircases that have seen better times. Of staircases that were once climbed with loving feet and so I have one such staircase etched in my memory.
Glad you relate, Rasma. So pleased you enjoyed it. Take care my friend.
I enjoyed this piece Tony. Staircase often remain when all around them seems to have fallen into disuse or repair. Oh the stories they could tell of all the feet that have scaled them. Wonderful descriptions.
Much appreciated, John. Pleased you enjoyed it. Take care my friend.
Tony I enjoyed the way that this poem read. The rhythm really pulls the reader into the great imagery and discussion of the passing of time. Well written and an enjoyable read. Jamie
Thank you so much, Jamie. I’m pleased you enjoyed the work. Cheers!
It is really sad to see those abandoned staircases or for me abandoned subway stations. It is interesting though how the structure always maintains, albeit with a little erosion, but still pretty sound. I always wonder what they looked like in their prime how many souls passed through their halls,on their stairs? Nice work as always my friend.
Much appreciated Paul, glad you enjoyed the work. Take care