Back to photostream

Cold

I am standing here

In the cold

Tell me why

Why I feel so old

 

Is it the lack of your love

That I feel

Or is that why I still come here

Hoping to find something real

 

Your reputation precedes you

Endless forgiveness

For lifelong problems

Nothing new

 

Pushed to the point of asking

Desperation crawling

Fraying at the edges

You have heard it all

 

But because I do come here

Means that I have not forgotten

Life gets in the way of love

Simple joy and conversation

 

My breath plumes out in the air

And I seek your warmth

Longing to finally share

That endless loving singular care

 

So bring me in from the cold

Tell me I am never too old

Alone or too foolish

Tell me I can still believe in it all

 

*****

 

NOTE. The written piece below was composed before the events of the earthquakes on Monday the 6th February. I have kept the wording the same, as I feel that the points that I have raised are even more pertinent now.

 

…………………

 

It was a cold day, on February 1st, in 2020 at about 4.30 in the afternoon as the sun went down. I remember standing there, looking at the snowdrops and wondering if I would be coming back to see any more that year, as news of the virus was gathering pace, and soon, nothing would ever be the same again.

 

Covid has left its scars on our world, and continues to do so, and many would say that the isolation caused by the lockdowns to combat the virus that many endured [and that some still endure with necessary self-isolation] have been worse for people and their well- being than the virus itself.

 

Other events have left a domino effect in their wake, and none of us have been immune to those.

 

What can creative people do in the face of such terrible times in our world? We need to do what we always do; show our love, despair, anger, compassion and even humour in our work.

 

If we care we still need to reach out this way, show people that they are not alone, that we understand. Call it a responsibility if you like.

 

It is the least I can do. I hope other writers and photographers will feel the same. A beautiful photograph can brighten someone’s day. A compassionate piece of writing or poetry can help release emotion in someone who is struggling. Some things are felt rather than spoken, they are seen and remembered, stored away like a treasure in the mind.

 

Show you understand.

 

Is this world worth saving? I think so, if we can for a while longer. It is our home, before we journey on to the next, if that is your belief. How much better it would be if we could all leave peacefully.

 

This image was taken in Glynde Churchyard, East Sussex, UK, on February the 1st, 2020, at 4.26 in the afternoon. I have been back since. I count myself fortunate.

 

This image is paired with Lisa Gerrard’s ‘Keson’ [Until My Strength Returns]. Believe and it will be possible.

 

youtu.be/HiKT2sbjBq0

 

And if you would like to see more of my work, please visit my website at:

 

www.shelleyturnerpoetpix.com

4,559 views
96 faves
34 comments
Uploaded on February 8, 2023
Taken on February 1, 2020