A Gathering of One (poem) by Regis Auffray on AuthorsDen

A Gathering of One
by Regis Auffray → (All Poetry by Regis Auffray)
Thursday, December 15, 2022 Rated "G" by the Author.

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A Gathering of One On a winter afternoon Silver dusk comes early He sits in front of the gas fireplace He loves its insipid soothing hiss He sips mellow red wine From a glass that reflects the flames The wine seems alive somehow It warms his soul Like a fond memory He’s turned off the lights So he can see the shadows dance Upon the wall So he is not alone He greets his ghostly guests One by one It’s pleasantly distracting To welcome each with rhyme “Long time no see, Chelsea. Love that machine, Nadine. Is that leather, Heather? Nice Lexus, Alexis. How’s the divorce, Horace? You’re looking dandy, Andy. I need a lawyer, Sawyer. I’m looking for a loan, Malone. How’s Cassandra, Sandra?” And on and on until He grows weary of doing all the talking Outside the darkness is complete He bids his guests a good night And as he dozes off Before the friendly flames He wonders why The shadows yet dance upon the wall After he thought his ghostly friends Had bid him adieu for the night And all is still © Regis Auffray
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Reviewed by Ruan Mills

Reviewed on January 27, 2026

This sounds like a wonderful evening in so many ways.
So many spirits to resonate with ... all of whom know you, as well as you know yourself...
And yet nobody to ctiticise, no one to disrupt the peace, and no unwelcome demands from any one of them... {lol}

Rx

Reviewed by Jms Bell

Reviewed on December 17, 2022

WHAT A FINE, UNIQUE SHARING, REGIS...GATHERING WITH THE ONE THAT KNOWS US BEST, OUTSIDE OF GOD. QUIET, SOOTHING AND ENJOYED. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

A lovely reflection for those of us who have had tranquil times alone in front of the fireplace. But I don't recall talking to friends that weren't there. That's not too healthy. And asking for loans while sitting in front of the fireplace with a glass of wine is not to kosher at all.

But I do like the nostalgic longing of the piece and its very unique subject matter.

Ron

Reviewed by Lalita Vasu

Beautifully penned Regis. I could visualise the entire scene so vividly. Superb!

Reviewed by Felix Perry

I love it, as writers we often forget the very words we penned but then all too often, especially when we are alone, they drift back through our memories like old friends as you suggest in this write. Parts of this would stand alone with only a few stanzas...one of your best.
Felix

Reviewed by Rebecca McKeehan

Reviewed on December 16, 2022

I could hear the voice of the narrator (you) in my mind as I read this, and I identified with it. That you were talking to the flames reflects a sense of aloneness, if not outright loneliness. How sad to have such a beautiful setting but no one but yourself to enjoy it with.

Rebecca

Reviewed by Elisabeth Barstowe

Great writing. Is it being sad and lonely or in the company of fond memories, I can't quite get a grip on that.

Reviewed by Mystic Rose

Reviewed on December 15, 2022

lol this is so very imaginative warm and loving Regis. I couldn't stop reading until the very end. Maybe the shadows are more alive then he thinks and the ghosts more real too, nicely penned Regis,

Reviewed by Sandie May Joyce (Sandie Angel)

A very intriguing write, Regis! I must say the mystery of the shadows is hard to explain.

When my husband was near death he told us he could see dark shadows, and when my mother-in-law was near death, she called out her dead relatives one by one by their names. She claimed she saw them preparing a welcoming party for her. The strangest thing was that one of her cousins had died a week before my mother-in-law, but no one had told my MIL of her cousin's death yet because no one wants to upset my MIL, but she saw the cousin there waiting for her to come to the party. Isn't it odd? I am assuming that there must be a place we all go to when we die, probably moving on to the next level of life.

Sandie

Reviewed by La Belle Rouge Poetess Of The Heart

I love this poem, Regis. Poignant and heart touching.

Reviewed by Rhonda Galizia

Mmm.. how warming and relaxing is your poetry, dear Regis, especially during these bitter cold days.
So well-written.

Though guests be welcome, still 'tis always rewarding to contemplate alone...

Very lovely piece.

And thank you, I did receive your message, and i appreciate all the information. You are such a kind and caring soul

Merry Christmas, my Friend. May you and yours be exceedingly blessed.

Love & Hugs,
Rhonda