I sat by the dark river
of letting go,
until I have forgotten of sound and sunlight,
and of love.

I sat there,
until you came like a noonday sun,
and pulled me behind you,
looking back, but not letting go.

For it is you,
my Eurydice,
who pulled me to life,
to sound and fury.

I built you a house,
you called it beautiful,
and my act lovely.
You will not spend the night.

I look outside the window,
and see you in the fields,
gifting your smiles to the crops,
as they turn to drink your light.

Your light,
when you turn this way,
paints the walls golden,
mends my soul whole.

I look outside the door,
and see you in the forest,
leaving fingerprints of gold,
on the wild things, that let you near.

Your laughter,
when you come and visit,
calls me forth to action,
and tells me change is possible.

I look at you,
my Demeter,
too busy giving life,
to dwell within.

I turn within,
to the dark shadows,
of this temple,
bereft of purpose.

I open the door to the cellar.
I step down the long staircase,
and sit again by the dark river,
my old friend.

Until you come again.

This is The Empty House part 1, written before but posted after the second part. Thanks to @whoshim, @jrhughes, and @carolkean who provided feedback on this piece.

This piece draws upon and continues Acceptance, a piece published on January 29th. I recommend giving that a look as well, for unpacking imagery related to that used here, especially of The Dark River. It also relates to some of the same themes.

Check out my latest posts:

• The Empty House (II) - Poem and poetic rule unlearning.
• The Retired Prophet - A poem.
• K-On! Like Lying in the Sun on a Warm Afternoon

Art and flair courtesy of @PegasusPhysics

Image is a promotional image of Morpheus, the titular character from Neil Gaiman's The Sandman. All rights owned by the respective owners, image is used under fair use.

© Guy Shalev 2018.