“Sunset” by: Phil Coch
I am watching the sun as it sits low on the horizon. The hall clock chimes. It’s the hour of twilight. Dusk is slowly advancing, as the chill of night begins to settle on the land. All my daydreams have gone to bed. I sit in quiet solitude, close by the fire, soothed by its crackling glow. But I am not alone. I’m warmed by the memories that I’ve huddled around me.
From far into the past they drift forward through time. One by one they visit gently. These are memories of those I’ve been blessed to love, and who’ve loved me. I shed a tender tear for each one. There is a sweetness to this reverie, and just a touch of soft regret. In this peaceful moment, my heart is full, my spirit calm.
Had I my way, this evening would never end. But soon these flames will falter, and the lingering embers will die. The hands of that clock sweep me towards nightfall. Darkness will unfold its deep blanket upon me. I’ll soon surrender to time’s warm embrace.
distant memories of love
shine across the years
~ ~ ~
rob kistner 2019
“Folding Time” by: rob kistner
you capture solitude so well here. the gentle reverie of cherished moments held close.
Thank you Jade. Instead of writing about solitude I tried to write solitude. I am glad you found it in my piece.
“All my daydreams have gone to bed,” and “The hands of that clock sweep me towards nightfall” are great lines!
Thank you RW. Those two were revised a few times until I felt they conveyed my intention. Glad you liked them! 🙂
Very nice Rob. Time seems to be creeping up on all of us. I like the way you wove this together. Did you paint the cool picture, Folding Time?
Thank you Dwight! I didn’t want to directly write about solitude, but rather, I tried to wtite solitude. Yes, I created “Folding Time”. It is an extreme digital manipulation of one of my photos of a tower clock in Portland Oregon. I publish a handsigned edition of 10 archival glclée on canvass a number years ago. I sold them all, save one, whivh hangs in my stufio. This image here is a portion of the larger image.
I love the peacefulness of your haiun, Rob, and the way it begins with the sun low on the horizon and the chiming of the clock chimes, as if it’s announcing twilight. I also like the phrase ‘all my daydreams have gone to bed’ and the warmth of the memories and time’s embrace.
Thank you very much Kim. I am pleased this piece seemed to resonate for you. The “daydream” line was my way of describing that kind of sober but peaceful frame of mind that comes, at least for me, as we transition from day to night. I am glad you liked it… 🙂
“soft regrets” stands out to me, Rob – what a lovely concept. Nice to have memories that warm and fill the heart so.
VJ, thank you, so happy you like this… 🙂
I think you’ve described quite beautifully a solitude that is the opposite of loneliness. The best kind.
Thank you Jane… !
Rob, I felt the preciousness of time here and the ebbing away of it. Beautiful.
Thank you linda! 🙂
Memories can definitely evoke a solitude. We must let them linger when we can. This is beautiful!
I appreciate your kindness Mary…
I love how you fill the darkening hour with memories… what a great way to fill solitude with meaning.
It is not aiways easy to be able to fold deep enough into my solitude to pull up that much emotion regarding those I have lost – but I love it when I can reach that level of reverie Bjorn. The tears are such a freeing catharsis. I love it to be able to feel that tenderly and fragily connected to my 18-year-old son Aaron again, to feel him close. I still miss him terribly much, and the wonderful man I know he would have become, based the path he was already on. He was so beloved in his community for the work he was doing at age 18, for abused juveniles, that over 3,000 prople attended his funeral. The flagged procession to the grave site was nearly 350 cars. The streets in the heart of his little town were completely closed down for half a day to accommodate the funeral service and burial ceremony. Sorry I got off on this tangent, but I still miss him so so much! ;-(
all my daydreams have gone to bed – speaks of a life well lived, very tender haibun that was like a lullably before bedtime
Thank you Gina! Very kind words, and that is on of my two favorite lines in this piece. 🙂
i really loved those!
🙂
Hold on to those warm and precious memories. I am sad to read about the tragic passing of your son (in your comments).
Thank you Grace. It has been a number of years since Aaron’s death, but his life is still vivid in my heart. I visit with him in memories, conjured in momemts of reverie, to still feel his presence and to speak to him in the voice of my spirit. He is, and will always be, my firstborn son. I have msny whom I loved, and have passed from my life, that I keep in active memory – but Aaron is my most beloved memory.
Poignant!
Thank you Petru!