Memories To Slay Poem by Richard (Narad) Eggenberger

Memories to Slay

I remember little now of major things,
At work within the body and the head,
In the garden where the love-struck sparrow sings
And the places that we marked for those long dead
Companions of our lives who loved us once
When all our days held promises so bright.
As drifting clouds, the slowly passing months
Of reverie and muse saw our delight.
Far now those faintly luminescent hours
And love that could not die when death drew close
To snatch the body as one gathers flowers,
Towards the heights I cannot see, she rose.
I hear the sounds of spring outside my door
And sit in brief reflection and I long,
Long with all my laboured breath to soar,
But sorrow and grief have robbed me of my song.
The new leaves glisten in the gusty breeze
Yet I grow old and fragile as the day
That yields to darkness with a vague unease
With hosts of sunlit memories to slay.


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Title: Memories to Slay

Review:

'Memories to Slay' is a poignant and introspective poem that delves into the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The poem is written with a strong sense of nostalgia, reflecting on the precious moments and memories that are now distant, yet still cherished.

The poem begins by acknowledging the fleeting nature of memory, particularly when it comes to significant moments in life. It quickly transitions to the remembrance of lost companions and the bright promises of youth. The imagery of drifting clouds and the passing months effectively captures the ephemeral nature of time and how it can take away the vibrancy of our memories.

The third stanza speaks of love that endures even in the face of death. The metaphor of gathering flowers to describe death is particularly striking, as it suggests the fragility and beauty of life. This stanza also touches on the longing for the heights that the lost loved one has ascended to, further emphasizing the sense of loss and yearning.

As the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the speaker is grieving not only for the lost companions but also for their own inability to recapture the feelings of youth and love. The melancholic tone is reinforced by the contrast between the vibrant sounds of spring outside the speaker's door and their own sorrow and grief.

The final stanza concludes the poem with a profound sense of resignation, as the speaker acknowledges their own aging and the impending darkness. The poem ends with the poignant line, 'With hosts of sunlit memories to slay, ' which captures the idea that even the brightest of memories must eventually fade with time.

Overall, 'Memories to Slay' is a beautifully crafted poem that delves into themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The vivid imagery and introspective tone create a powerful sense of nostalgia, while the carefully chosen metaphors and language make the poem truly evocative. This poem will undoubtedly resonate with readers who have experienced love and loss, and will leave them reflecting on their own precious memories.