Astral Dreams

 

A surreal, dreamlike journey through a dark, symbolic landscape populated by famous literary figures like Lord Byron, Carol Ann Duffy, and Edgar Allan Poe. 

Blending Gothic elements with themes of isolation, magical transformation, and a final, painful return to self-awareness and healing. 

Literary Allusions & Figures: 

Lord Byron & Carol Ann Duffy: Represent romantic grandeur mixed with contemporary, poignant observation. 

Edward Thomas & Gretel: 

A blend of a real-world war poet (Thomas) with a fairytale archetype (Gretel), staging a surreal wedding.

Louise Glück & Conrad Aiken: 

Figures of profound introspection and gothic haunting standing witness in the gloom.

Edgar Allan Poe & Robert Frost: 

Poe anchors the dark, gothic, raven-esque atmosphere, while Frost serves as a psychological alchemist, conjuring a storm of fear.

Themes: Isolation and Safety: 

The narrator seeks safety in numbers of literary ghosts while wandering a dark, astral forest. 

Surreal Transformation:

Fairy-tale innocence meets literary melancholy in candlelight.

Redemption: 

The storm leads back to a rose-petalled path, suggesting that true healing and self-discovery ("the one called Elkind") are found only through brokenness and deep introspection.

(A lone voice whispers) 

Lost in the Ballard of Reading 

In the Darkness 

With the narrating

Well dressed

Lord Byron

I found a distressed Carol Ann Duffy

Wandering

Lonely 

In the Dark

And in that Dark Forest

As we held hands 

For safety 

As we wandered

In that strange astral park

We found a candlelit clearing 

And watched as

Edward Thomas

Dressed in blue

Propose to the stunning Gretel 

Dressed in white

Ivory 

As we hid

Hiding 

In the Darkness 

Watching that surreal scene

Like a candlelit priory

Like how 

The marriage was overlooked 

By the beautiful smiling

Louise Glück

In that deep gulf

With The Vampire called Conrad Aiken

Who many had tried 

To put a stake in

Dressed in red and black

And The Raven 

Edgar Allan Poe

And as my favourite dream faded 

Before I could see Thomas and Gretel

Conjugated

As time flowed  

I came to be lost

Suspended and swept up 

In a Storm of Fear 

Conjured up by the alchemist and magician

Robert Frost

Only to find my way home

Walking the rose-petalled pathway

Only the broken can find

The one called Elkind

Etched and inscribed 

In the heartbroken blind

Recesses of the mind

(C) 

Copyright John Duffy

The Sacred Flames of Life

 

The Sacred Flames of Life

(A lone voice whispers)

Truth, Compassion, and Kindness compel Light to illuminate the darkest of corners.

Of any known day or night.

Even now in these theatres of Social Media 

But still Truth will always flow like a torrent upon an eternal journey.

Kindness and Compassion closely following in its shallow wake.

The Sacred Flames of Life speak loudly of their presence.

In Truth, it may sometimes seem like a silent Fight.

In Kindness, you may have your doubters.

In Compassion, you may receive no sympathy.

But with a clarity and majesty, always be true to yourself.

For it’s a sacred truth and a blessing.

To sometimes separate oneself from the bustling crowd.

For those who blindly follow and wallow. 

Might never leave the circle.

Always moving, but willingly submerged beneath the surface.

Sunken in a crystalline silence, as their inner voice is forever searching for speech. 

But will lie in sad isolation.

Forever probing but never finding Freedom's Road. 

To truly speak.

But the magic for those like maybe you. 

Who are never traded, waylaid or willingly imprisoned.

Courageous souls who choose to be free and not weak.

Resourceful people in Life. 

Who always try to rise when seemingly beaten.

Those whose head refuses to accept confinement or defeat.

The World and all her wonders are theirs to be claimed. 

When found.

Never searching in silence, but with a crescendo of noise and gusto.

For all they touch turns eventually into happiness. 

Through faith and conviction.

Everywhere they go.

Even though they may be hurting.

For a soul which has borne pain and risen once again. 

Is always strengthened tenfold.

So precious and imbued with such a rare beauty.

Never to be beaten, assimilated into the masses. 

But to be one of those rare souls with an indomitable will.

The World is waiting for your voice.

So go and shine as you must.

Don’t let your dreams turn to dust!

For The Sacred Flames of Life

Truth, Compassion, and Kindness call to compel you 

To use its Light to illuminate the darkest of corners.

Of any known day or night.

(C) 

Copyright John Duffy

 

The Sacred Hollow

 

Blessed be.

Velumbound.

Do you need some inspiration?

Let us begin with a transmission from The 

The Sacred Hollow.

Have you been subtly conditioned from birth to overlook your true potential? 

Here on Earth? 

But does a lone voice sometimes whisper?

Whether in sleep or in daylight? 

Open your tired eyes wide and reach for the stars. 

My child. 

See how far you can go. 

Cast off the chains of conditioning. 

That appeared as you grew older. 

Be courageous and break free from what you’ve been told. 

Go wild and mould a new mindset 

Before you become set in your ways or too old. 

Set an example for future generations to follow. 

Before your spirit returns to us. 

In The Sacred Hollow. 

(C) 

Copyright John Duffy

Redemption

(A lone voice whispers) 

Haunted by demons

Judged by the religious

I walk the path of the righteous

For God doesn't just treasure those loyal churchgoers

He really seeks those broken 

Words reflecting a powerful theme of redemption. 

Showing a struggle between human judgment and divine grace. 

Suggesting that true faith lives in the broken and the seeking, not in the flawless.

For when the religious crowd judges you. They rely on outer rules and clean facades.

For they miss the inner battle and inner Demons.

As you carry past scars and deep struggles. 

Feeling haunted by mistakes or doubts

But still courageously try to walk the Path of the Righteous.

Still trying to do what is right. Walking forward despite the pain.

For with Divine Grace. 

God values the broken heart. 

He wants those searching for healing over those who think they are already whole.

Overcome by Pride. 

For pretending to be perfect blocks true growth. 

And admitting your flaws opens the door to grace.

For overcoming Shame. Demons lose their power when brought into the light.

 Seeking salvation is an act of courage, not weakness.

For true Righteousness is not a badge of honour.

 It is a daily choice to turn toward God while broken.

Blessed be.

(C)

Copyright John Duffy

The man in black

 

One for my visitors

 

Are you ready

 

Don't miss me...

 

Remember me

 

The Spirit Guide

 

(A lone voice whispers) 

I’m the low whisper

Heard so faintly

In the frequencies

In-between

I move through winds of change

In your metamorphosis

Callin’ you back from sin

If you just let me in

Singin’ love songs softly

Helpin’ hearts to mend

Guidin’ lonely lovers

Back to where they began

I’m the ocean

You can swim in

The warmth when you feel cold

Though I walk in silent spaces

I’m stronger than you know

I’m your spirit guide

Walkin’ right by your side

Through the dark and the light

I’ll be there every night

I’m your spirit guide

Though you can’t see my face

When you call out in prayer

I’ll be there

In that place

I’m the strength you carry

Like steel deep in your soul

A midnight sky that’s shining

A treasure you can hold

I’m the smile on your lips

That shiver down your spine

That gentle touch you feel

When love comes right on time

In every tear you’ve cried

There’s a blessing close behind

A voice that never sleeps

Always right on time

 

I’m your spirit guide

Walkin’ every road you take

Through your fears and your faith

Through every heart that breaks

I’m your spirit guide…

In the silence I remain

Every whisper you hear

Callin’ out your name

Ohhh

When you’re dreamin’

I’m the river flowin’ through

Plantin’ seeds

Helpin’ you become you

A purple flower growin’

In your life’s stream

Followin’ you

Through every dream

I’m your spirit guide

Through the wild and the calm

On the tides of your life

Keep on holdin’ on

I’m your spirit guide

Sent from up above

Every step that you take

You’re surrounded by love

Though you may not see me

I’m always close by

A secret friend

From up high

And someday

We will meet

‘Cause I’m your eternal…

Spirit guide

(C) 

Copyright John Duffy