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.
One reply on “Stefanie Bennett – 1 poem ”
Beautifully evocative.
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