The Monologue of the Lonely Ghost

 

A poem that is an allegory for grief, attachment, and the refusal to let go.

On one level, it’s the literal voice of a ghost, a soul trapped in limbo.

On another, it could represent how living people feel when they cannot move on after losing someone they love — they too become like “ghosts,” trapped in the past, endlessly waiting for reunion.

It’s about love as both salvation and torment: the fire of love keeps the ghost alive, but also prevents him from finding peace.

Title.

The Monologue of the Lonely Ghost.

(A lone voice whispers)

 I crossed over in March, on the fifth

In the year of our Lord

1902

All these years, I've sat 

Patiently waiting for you

I've watched our old world

Burn

Through the blackest of nights 

Witnessed hearts bleed with incomprehensible need

Seen corruption and illusions unfold, as the seduced welcomed, evil into their strongholds

Watched shining stars fall, thinking of my fate 

As I wait

Thinking

When will she call me, and walk through that gate?

That I look to

Down that dark road, every second, whenever I think of you

I've looked in old memories that beckoned

Explored all the who knows, linked to sin

Chased paper boats, with endless time 

Just hoping, she's coping high up in Heaven

And not broken 

In the Deep Divine

But still perched upon this rock, I wait

Even though the Mendli think I'm crazy, but my old Love still cuts me open

Making me cling to an old life, with wild dreams of a new beginning

So, Angels, please forgive me but hear me quick

Take my hand and lead me home 

To her

Give me the Star Fire, if this can't happen, or you can't do it

For I fear I can no longer wait, for the opening of that gate

So let me cross the burning sand barriers

Step straight through the eternal fire

For is waiting for true love, the price worth all this pain?

As one moves on, and one remains

Show me a happy couple, and I'll show you the fire that ignites 

And it's that red light that I pray

Keeps carrying me on its horseback, throughout all these endless nights

(C)

Copyright John Duffy