Senses softened in the dark afternoon
This year is charring in the fire grate
So, I pour out into the haunted fields
looking for loneliness, for lines, for clues
to get a handle on all that’s happened
to make predictions on where I am headed
All around my body, the world’s covered by a sheet
life’s decorator is preparing to paint the new year
This land spills on for snowy miles
my past reels out somewhere behind me
in those paths taken, in those choices made;
there are glimpses of the shape of my future
The Grecian islands, the Cornish coast
Those petty milestones, those brave goodbyes
from swollen ankles, to exploded minds
Portuguese walled-towns, to Derbyshire hills
From a decade planted, then uprooted and moved
the letting go, the keeping a hold
Surprises; surprising, plans made and fulfilled
much falls away, much more presents itself
weddings, worries, work; with friends
consciousness glides across the ghostly fields
comes to rest behind my smiling eyes
So, now I have the things I’ve always wanted
the peace I chased, the love I imagined
the tools I’ll need are all within me
and Kate is waiting, with her key, somewhere
By the gate, I pause, look up into the nothing
time stands still, my eyes adjust…
the pitch black night is full of stars
(when did I last see those?)
My gaze breaks, my footsteps in the powder flow
time moves, I need for nothing else…
I go back into the house
Toss my wondering on the fire
pour a drink, talk to my family
I’m satisfied
and warm…
[2011]
Happy Christmas & thanks for reading/listening.
The piano track on the audio recording is “The Book of Jen by Tedosio“.
Got an Amazon voucher for Xmas?… ‘The Ship-wrecker’s Lamp: Selected Poems 2010 – 2020’ available now.
The Lighthouse 
Both versions…so wonderful.
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Thank you Kara, that’s so kind of you.
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Merry Christmas to you Tom and a peaceful, happy, and healthy year ahead.
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Thanks Peter, for all your kind and encouraging words. Merry Christmas to you too, here’s to a great 2021!
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I thought this was a current poem until I got to the end and saw 2011. Funny, how a poem you wrote nine years ago can seem to fit so naturally in a year as tumultuous as this has been. I guess that speaks to the unchanging nature of our biggest fears, questions and joys in life. Thanks for this reminder Tom. 🙂
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What a nice way of looking at it, I’d not fully considered that but you’re right. Every year is full of moments; good and bad and at some point it’s healthy to reflect and to look ahead. Thanks for reading. 🙏👍
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Lovely to hear again Tom. It is so beautifully presented, and all the more powerful for being so.
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Thank you for coming back to this one Peter. Always appreciate your thoughts. Have you been thinking about any more audio readings of late? I hope I’ve not missed any new ones? Thanks!
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I don’t think you’ve missed any Tom. I’ve been having health issues so have not been writing very much!
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I’m so sorry to hear that Peter. I hope 2023 brings you some better health. Take care.
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Thank you.
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Beautifully written 💜 There’s so much peace in this poem. I’ll listen to your spoken words later 👍
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Thanks Bree, that’s high praise coming from you. Much appreciated.
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Loved the voice to this beautiful poetry. ‘Lifes decorator…new year’ the articulation is fabulous. Peaceful and warming poetry.
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Thank you for listening/reading Kritika, I really appreciate it. I’m so pleased you enjoyed. I was hoping to write something recently about this time of year but I’ve not had time and this poem still says it all really. 🙂
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