Old Torn Nightie

Old Torn Nightie

If I had known in that hour, minute;
at that second,
what I know now;
I would have held you as you woke;
traced my finger from your hairline
along your nose.
I would have kissed your mouth;
gently bit your lip;
run my fingertips, teasing,
tickling down your spine.

We would have missed our trains.

Now this house feels cold.
Our children slumber, swollen eyed;
moonlight blurs pictures on stairs,
plays on the mocking clock;
the dishes piled about the sink,
clothing heaped by the washing-machine;
the cat napping on the sofa, by your feet.

Fitfully you sleep,
in your old torn nightie;
occasionally dreaming,
where these words
are just thoughts,
with my voice.

I really like the title of the Poem. It evokes so many thoughts, and the poem has such feeling. Definitely one of the most evocative poems I've read on this forum.

"We would have missed our trains."

I love this line. It makes me think of Casablanca.

Thanks.

I wrote this after the recent London tube train bombings.

I wanted to present it from the perspective of the spirit of a victim visiting his home ... an otherworldly view of the devastation caused by such acts.

Naegling

Knowing that makes the poem much more poignant and beautiful.

I agree, this is one of the most powerful poems I've read here.There is a degree of intensity and otherworldly intimacy which brings forward the painful memories of the tragic devastation.It mixes with ones thoughts in a beautiful bittersweet reflection.Though there may be much sadness, a fitting tribute had been born out of the spoils of the mind.Well done!I hope to read more poems from you!:)

Thank you very much.