Stefanie Bennett – 1 poem 

FLAME      

 

 

They said, you once lived here.

Here, in this room

Where the light rarely enters.

 

They said, in the brochure,

Your fame was found

Inside that cabinet drawer and

 

Tied up with string

Were your jottings;

The aftermaths and their encores.

 

This room is a musty place;

As white as milk. Sterile.

A monk’s cell.

 

They said, you once lived here…

 

A roll-top desk. A single chair.

And… by the window

The tallow lamp.

 

You would have called that light

To your side, Emily.

As friend and confidant.

 

Once made, the pact remained

Until the last breath

Hushed it out.

 

They said, you once lived here…

 

There is no rage to speak of.

Grief, and phantoms?

Only the tallow knows.

 

Now, the century has turned;

Taking you with it. Have

Things gone according to plan?

 

Outside, the white day welcomes

More guests, and still more

Commentary

 

Simply because you

Once were – and

That is more than enough.

 

 

Stefanie Bennett has published a dozen poetry titles, a novel, & a libretto & been nominated for best of the web + the pushcart. ‘The Vanishing’ [poetry, 2015] is published by Walleah Press & available from Walleah & Amazon. Stefanie’s latest title [poetry] “Blanks From The Other World” is due late 2017. Of mixed heritage (Italian/Irish/Paugussett-Shawnee) she was born in Qld., Australia.