ghost town (poem) by jude forese on AuthorsDen

ghost town
by jude forese → (All Poetry by jude forese)
Monday, April 13, 2020 Rated "G" by the Author.

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water drips from a broken ceiling exploding drops on a faded tile floor i stare into a puddle probing the vacuum of a distorted reflection -crumbled skyscrapers and tenements decomposing by time enzymes the sun’s rays mirthlessly lighten this desperate scene this cold, discarded bedlam as alien as a lost dream, as lonely as an empty womb, as dusty as a galaxy of stars here, only shallow whispers rattle about enclosed doors only ugly memories roam the stairwells weaving through massive cobwebs here, millions shared a breath called existence here, dreams began and came to an end here, shattered bones decorate fallen bricks as decaying carcasses dangle from lampposts secured by a rope called desolation water drips from broken ceilings exploding drops on faded tile floors i stare into a puddle probing the vacuum of this distorted reflection -crumbled skyscrapers and tenements decomposing by time enzymes the sun’s rays mirthlessly lighten this desperate scene this cold, discarded bedlam as alien as a lost dream, as lonely as an empty womb, as dusty as a galaxy of stars here, only shallow whispers rattle about enclosed doors only ugly memories roam the stairwells weaving through massive cobwebs here, millions shared a breath called existence here, dreams began and came to an end here, shattered bones decorate fallen bricks as decaying carcasses dangle from lampposts secured by a rope called desolation

Reviewed by m j hollingshead

Reviewed on April 28, 2020

thought provoking!!

never stop writing

m

Reviewed by John Domino

Reviewed on April 16, 2020

The description here sounds like a place in NYC where I grew up. My childhood dream was to move far away to the country. I did and here life is very pleasant, even during these times. Had I stayed in NYC I would probably be writing poems such as this. Stay safe!

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

Your poem seems more prophetic than realistic, unless it is metaphoric for the mood people are in. Especially those without a paycheck and a bleak chance of paying their rent by getting enough food to eat.

What I saw in the poem was a future situation where those living in close quarters like cities can be infected with some kind of a plague that kills nearly everyone forces them to abandon where they live. All that is left is the rusty ruin that you describe. I may be wrong I usually am.

Ron

Reviewed by John Herlihy

Brilliant images depicting a time that seems will never end. Excellent and enjoyed (in a manner of speaking).

Reviewed by Duke LaRance

Reviewed on April 14, 2020

Jude:

The accompanying photo is perfect for the content of your work. I don't have to tell you that this is a very fine, thought out piece. I am lucky to live in the middle of nowhere; however no locality will escape the calamity. I am trying to keep my head on straight and keep moving forward. Here's wishing the very best for you and yours.

Best,

Cowboy

Reviewed by Mystic Rose

Your poetry is both stark and riveting. I have enjoyed immersing
myself in your words, Thank you for sharing stay safe,

Reviewed by Odin odin@aflx.com

Having spent a great deal of my life in NYC, the poetic images resonated keenly with my many memories, although, after many years in other cities, your metaphoric flow of mind/physical snapshots were strong associations to many a city of density. Glad I stumbled on this. Will be following you. Carpe Diem.

Reviewed by Ed Matlack

Just imagining New York City empty gives me the picture of it as a ghost town & that is what came to mind when I first saw the title of this post. Have we ever actually thought of this type of virus scaring all of us like little kiddies in our nightmares.

You just gave us visions of a large city seen from the inside looking out...I hope you are staying well, Bob, and avoiding those others that could make you just another number in a series of numbers waiting for a bed in an overfilled hospital...-e-

Reviewed by Sandie May Joyce (Sandie Angel)

This is quite a sad poem, Jude! I hope you are alright. I think during this lockdown time, the ones who are really suffering are the ones who live alone. I'm fortunate to still be living with my daughter so we support each other, keeping each other company.

All this will pass soon. In Canada, we may still be lockdown for another 28 days after this week, which may extend to mid-May. Hopefully, by that time, things will get better or at least back to normal. I don't think everything will be the same though, even after the lockdown is lifted. We will just have to wait and see.

Sandie

Reviewed by Amber Moonstone

Reviewed on April 13, 2020

Hey Jude
You have captured the mood of all of us going through this covid19 debacle!
Such a scary and very fragile time for all!
Hope you and all your loved ones are safe and healthy!
Peace light and love
Amber