Ghosted

Friends,

Once so close,

Now distant memories,

Their images ghostly,

Like photographs faded by the sun.

Relatives,

Once in constant presence,

Now but occasional pen and ink salutations

On holiday greeting cards.

Acquaintances,

Fleeting into disappearance,

Like the fog of time.

Before me,

The telephone’s silence ringing,

Encroaches the quietness of night,

The gradual dimming of the sunlight

Like memories that slowly fade,

Their shadows stretching long

To be cradled in suspension’s kindness.

Such a condition

Comes with the company of graying images,

A silence heavy and profound,

Reminding one that once voices filled the air,

Laughter rippled through the halls,

Even weeping brought a feel-better reward.

Of late…

No phone calls to break the muted air.

No e-mails to light up the computer screen.

One’s   words sent into the void,

Hoping for a reply that never comes.

Yes…

It feels like abandonment,

That slow aching loss,

As if the world has moved on

Leaving you behind in an asylum of but four walls.

Yet…

In the heart of this solitude,

A quiet strength rises,

Inviting acceptance,

Feeling the emotions like a gentle tide

Washing over the hurt and disappointment.

You engage the digital ether,

You continue sending out your wishes

To all for good health and happiness

Knowing your textual emotions may never be given a reply.

This perseverance

Maintains your hope for their joy and peace,

Even as you sit with voices quelled,

Their smiles remain forged,

As one embraces the change,

Finding solace in the act of giving

And acceptance of the continued

Silence ringing.