He sits in front of the gas fireplace He loves its insipid soothing hiss He sips cranberry juice It looks like mellow wine Reflecting flame 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 It’s fun 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
It’s really dark out now He bids his guests farewell As he dozes off in front of the fireplace He wonders why The shadows are still dancing upon the wall After saying good-bye
Copyright 2003 by Regis J. Auffray All rights reserved.
in reading your poetry from beginning to end, I see all the good friends that have stuck by you, and tne new friends that come to review and I am sure they all would love to reminisce by that fire and hear some heartfelt folk tales.
HMMMM...YOU HAVE A WAY OF CAPTURING AND 'FRAMING' LONLINESS...SO THAT...EVEN THOUGH IT IS SO SAD...IT IS SO...BEAUTIFUL. I WILL KEEP THIS REGIS AND THANKS FOR SHARING. LOVE AND BLESSINGS,
JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS
Regis,
This poem feels warm and cozy, but there's a strong lonely feel as well. I like how shadows come to life via the voice in this poem. Love and Hugs~
Sheila
I enjoyed this! I like a gathering of one sometimes myself, reliving the special memories that stayed with me long after the relationships ended. Those pieces of others contribute to who I am.
Wonderfully patterned, Regis. Your poetry is filled with emotion...
aloneness...Exquisitely expressed!
Happy New Year
Sheila
Reviewed by jan nunn (Reader)
Reviewed on December 29, 2003
"He’s turned off the lights
So he can see the shadows dance
Upon the wall
So he is not alone"
oh I love the image this creates..wonderful write Regis
Reviewed by Oirdheirc Mor (Reader)
Reviewed on December 29, 2003
Hi Regis,
Strange how sitting staring into a burning fire can be so rewarding
( Mine was peat and log.)
One can see a great range of shadows.
Funny how sitting alone with a fire and large glass of whisky, can be so crowded.
Well Done Lad.
Mor.
Reviewed by Simon Thurlow (Reader)
Reviewed on December 29, 2003
Wow Regis. Almost like a retelling of Dicken's Scrooge in the manner that you wrote it, but completely idfferent in it's text, meaning and message. Excellent write.
Also, big congratualtions to you as I noticed that you won the AD Contest during my absence from here. Surprised I am not for you are a talented writer.
"Gathering of One" has an audience of billions some for indifference, some for belittling themselves, some for lack of gratitude, and all for lack of love.
This poem, "Gathering of One" was poemized with emotions of a wise observer, and poetized with words of a heart that pumps ink of wisdom
to comply with poetry’s must...Art, Beauty, Instructing, Guiding and stimulating wonders.
Thank You for posting this "Gathering Of One".
HEALTHY HAPPY NEW YEAR, POET!
Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU,
Apprentice-poet by the Grace of The Great Poet
Hauntingly sad yet beautifully written masterpiece, Regis. The shadows on the walls continue to dance as a reminder that we still can create through our imagination in that life contains a myriad of sweet surprises yet to come. Wishing you the best this Holiday Season and a rewarding New Year.
Amor
Reviewed by S H (Reader)
Reviewed on December 27, 2003
Very lonely and Haunting poem Regis. I enjoyed it. Even the rhyme. Can you believe it?
Reviewed by Debashish Haar (Reader)
Reviewed on December 27, 2003
This is CREATIVE and BRILLIANT! Regis excellent write.
Reviewed by Ron (sketchman) Axelson (Reader)
Reviewed on December 27, 2003
Very creative....
Gus got on the bus?
Reviewed by ***** ********* (Reader)
Reviewed on December 27, 2003
An awesome dialogue-driven piece of brittle social commentary, Regis! Wonderful to read and so real you can taste the frustration and the irony! Well done!
This is a tremendously good write, Regis: clearly reflects those poor souls who live in their memories instead of today. Perhaps they believe memories are all they have. Pity, for there is life until there is no more life. ~~Bonnie Q
EXCELLENT, my friend.
I could see the man sitting there alone
watching his private shadows dancing
on the wall. There are so many lonely
people out there. If only there was a
way to help them.:(
You captured this with awe, my friend.
This goes in my library.
*Linda*
Reviewed by Anna Marie Fritz (Reader)
Reviewed on December 27, 2003
I know one of the "many millions" Trask referred to.
He could have half the world at his feet, if, for just
a day or so, he could forget himself and his ghosts,
and look into the sunlight.
Good work, as usual, Regis!
You took me right into this one...me sitting on the carpet watching those dancing shadows....thank you.. you gave me something to think and wonder about... as I will go to bed now...with vivid imageries in my head!!!
I like your writing, Regis. It is always focused, active, and present. I could see myself in that room and feel the loneliness there. It's remakable how much you say in just a few words.
This is a book of free verse poetry that addresses the seven main tests in life and offers some sensible solutions to passing those tests with minimal discomfort.
This collection of poetry addresses the nature of time, reflections on the natural world, the difficulty of loss,
contemporary social issues and gratitude for life.
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JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS
The title and the poem form a perfect union - superb!!
Best wishes,
Lance
This poem feels warm and cozy, but there's a strong lonely feel as well. I like how shadows come to life via the voice in this poem. Love and Hugs~
Sheila
Janet
The ending so unique and comforting to me.
thanks
Tracey
Deborah :o))
lovely expression
HIGH FIVE REG! You know how to blow up the place don't ya.
Thank You,
Emilie
Reindeer
Nancy
aloneness...Exquisitely expressed!
Happy New Year
Sheila
So he can see the shadows dance
Upon the wall
So he is not alone"
oh I love the image this creates..wonderful write Regis
Strange how sitting staring into a burning fire can be so rewarding
( Mine was peat and log.)
One can see a great range of shadows.
Funny how sitting alone with a fire and large glass of whisky, can be so crowded.
Well Done Lad.
Mor.
Also, big congratualtions to you as I noticed that you won the AD Contest during my absence from here. Surprised I am not for you are a talented writer.
excellent,insightful poem ...
Happy New Year to you and yours
Love
~Chrissie
"Gathering of One" has an audience of billions some for indifference, some for belittling themselves, some for lack of gratitude, and all for lack of love.
This poem, "Gathering of One" was poemized with emotions of a wise observer, and poetized with words of a heart that pumps ink of wisdom
to comply with poetry’s must...Art, Beauty, Instructing, Guiding and stimulating wonders.
Thank You for posting this "Gathering Of One".
HEALTHY HAPPY NEW YEAR, POET!
Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU,
Apprentice-poet by the Grace of The Great Poet
Amor
Gus got on the bus?
I enjoyed the mood, the warm feelings inside the lonely solitude.
I could see the man sitting there alone
watching his private shadows dancing
on the wall. There are so many lonely
people out there. If only there was a
way to help them.:(
You captured this with awe, my friend.
This goes in my library.
*Linda*
He could have half the world at his feet, if, for just
a day or so, he could forget himself and his ghosts,
and look into the sunlight.
Good work, as usual, Regis!
Good Write!
TRASK
Put me right there.
John
Brilliant write..
Thankyou sooo much!
Vesna :)
You took me right into this one...me sitting on the carpet watching those dancing shadows....thank you.. you gave me something to think and wonder about... as I will go to bed now...with vivid imageries in my head!!!
Good night!!
Love Tinka
I shall miss you my friend!
((((Hugs))))
~Nikki~
Carmen