Friendly Ghosts *, Revision II Options

[Psyche]

REVISION II


I stroll through crowds,
awareness unexceptional today,
savouring aromas of ripe watermelons.
Perhaps I’ll take that yellow pumpkin
and a ½ kilo of kiwis?

Is that your face in the market?

Unpredictable, yet constant.
No confrontations.
Profile’s turned away now.
I’ll take the kiwis, Rosa,
then a watermelon and four beets will do.
No pumpkin today.

Did I glimpse your face in the market?

Blue blue eyes,
hairline slightly receding,
trim beard, whimsical air of comedy.
A good likeness, yes.
Right! 10 pesos it is...adiós Rosa,
I’ll hurry back now.
Must check in at 9 a.m.

Why do you hover in the crowds?

In appearance weightless,
you don't beset me;
a sporadic silhouette
amidst resolute shoppers.

A presence in improbable spots:
gestures in queues at the ticket office
(you loved theatre!),
the shape of a head, outlined in dimness.
One gets used to it.

Friendly features come and go:
my eyes devour them,
my heart is a crystal goblet
brimming over with fine reminiscences.

I allow ghosts to visit,
then send them on their way.

Sylvia Evelyn, Bariloche, Argentine Patagonia. 2015.








ORIGINAL

Whose is that face in the market?

I stroll through crowds,
awareness unexceptional today,
eyeing some watermelons.
Perhaps I’ll take that yellow pumpkin
and a ½ kilo of kiwis?

It’s a familiar face. Seen it around.
Profile’s turned away now.
- I’ll take the kiwis, Rosa,
not the pumpkin today,
and I think four beets will do.

Whose is that face in the market?

Blue blue eyes,
hairline slightly receding,
trim beard, whimsical air of comedy.
A good likeness, yes.
- Right! 5 pesos it is...adiós Rosa,
I’ll hurry back now.
Must check in at 9 a.m.

And whose is that face in the market?

Standing your ground,
in appearance weightless,
a sporadic silhouette
amidst resolute shoppers.
I get visits in improbable spots:
a gesture in queues at the ticket office
(you loved theatre!),
the shape of a head, outlined in dimness.
One gets used to it.

Friendly ghosts come and go:
my eyes devour them,
my heart is a crystal goblet
brimming over with fine reminiscences.

I allow ghosts to visit,
then send them on their way.

Sylvia Evelyn, Bariloche, Argentine Patagonia. 2015.

[K.S. Lenk]

I too enjoyed this very much.
I read it as wishful thinking at first; you see appearances in shadows or reflections and compare likeness to those you've lost.
The market stroll is vivid and does take you along.
The repetition of the question whose face it is, reinforces the title and theme very successfully.
These visions could be considered imaginary for those without the gift of this extra sense and therefore it appeals on all levels.
A comforting read, accepting life and death.

Regards,
K

[Psyche]

Hello K,

I'm glad you enjoyed my piece. Well, yes, wishful thinking comes into the picture. These feelings are a mix. It's part of coming to grips with the harshness of reality. Except that I aimed to tone it down. Not make a solemn tribute or anything.

Marketing is where I mostly get these quite powerful glimpses of loss. Probably because it's where we have to think a lot about family member's preferences? Still, they can happen anywhere. As you say, they're not imaginary, or visions, because in that case I would be unable to recognize them as such.

I'm beginning to wonder whether not all people experience these things. I know plenty who don't. Eisa says she does. Maybe it's helpful so as to continue on our appointed path.

Thank you again for your uplifting words.
Sylvia

I too enjoyed this very much.
I read it as wishful thinking at first; you see appearances in shadows or reflections and compare likeness to those you've lost.
The market stroll is vivid and does take you along.
The repetition of the question whose face it is, reinforces the title and theme very successfully.
These visions could be considered imaginary for those without the gift of this extra sense and therefore it appeals on all levels.
A comforting read, accepting life and death.

Regards,
K