This Place Seems Different Poem by Paul Reed

This place seems different now -

Not the place it was in high Summer

When voices rang and shrilled

When, with high fervour, lungs were filled

With the sweet scented air;



The hedges are cold and uninviting

They rock in the icy blast

And seem part of another world

To the one with your leaves unfurled

And cooling drinks were served on the lawn;



In a high heaven of joy we basked

As the friendly sun, unasked

Beat down on reddened necks

The long evening not yet started

And the afternoon not yet departed

As we ran and ran;



Now everyone is gone

And the nights are long

Spirits circle overhead, unsure

Whether the emptiness will endure

And good times return.