They walked where others had walked,
where the path held footprints long washed away,
where no one thought to wonder
how much the earth could hold.
Something was missing.
He didn’t know what,
only that the air no longer carried wings,
only that silence had grown too thick
between the branches.
The other night, a dream—
or maybe not.
A wisp of something weightless,
the shape of something that should have risen,
a voice without words,
only the press of a question—
"What hunger is this
that takes and we're worth none?"
He woke uneasy,
the kind of waking that leaves a mark,
like stepping back from the edge of something
he hadn’t known was there.
Beside him, the other stirred,
but did not rise.
Only uttered, eyes still closed—
"The night forgets.
Why shouldn’t we?
Let the slings sing and the huntance dance."
But the night does not forget.
A breath, caught.
The earth did not catch him.
The trees did not reach.
Only silence moved,
filling the space where he had been.
Morning came, and one walked on alone.
The trees were full.
The sky was clean.
But something had been taken.
And the dark had kept its own.
-
Author:
My Boy Ryngkhlem (
Offline) -
Published:
February 13th, 2025 02:29
- Comment from author about the poem: One is always taken, and one is always left- there are only ever two, bound by the hunt.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views:
9
- Users favorite of this poem: Poetic Licence
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Comments3
Love that there is a strong element of tale laced with philosophy. 🙏🏻🕊
Many thanks, my friend! I wanted it to feel like more than just a story, so I’m glad that came through.
Indeed it did. 👍🏻I was also hoping to have done something with a similar aim, minus the story part: “of thinkers great and small.” 🙏🏻🕊
Glad it resonated! Your idea sounds great👍—would love to see it!🙏
It’s posted now, when you have the time 🙏🏻🕊
Beautiful poetry exploring the two worlds of light and dark, and they both have casualties, enjoyed the read
Thank you sincerely. It means the worlds to a poet's heart to know that you enjoy reading.
You are very welcome
The way you write is so lovely! I feel a lot of longing in this poem, and maybe a little regret. But also just understanding for how nature goes about its ways.
I really appreciate that! I’m glad the poem spoke to you.
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