A Loss Of Something (1st Part) Poem by Bryan Norton

March came in like a lion
And never let up, not really
The children spent most of their day outside
Except, maybe, for a quick lunch and a goodbye hug

In the country, the darkness is like a blanket
It covers our house and even our lives
Like some foreboding cloud, or storm
Ready to swallow us whole, and then move on to the next house

The children, Markie and Stu, seem to relish the large, empty fields
And thick, virgin forest that lies just beyond a small, dilapidated fence
That surrounds our property and is otherwise... antiquated
Or quaint at best

Judging by the children, our move has been a great success
Reggie and I, however, are surprised by the lack of sunshine...
And lack of neighborly warmth
Even from those with deep local roots

Sometimes, when the wind howls at night
The darkness itself seems to come alive
Even the children feel it, but hardly say a word
So content, are they, in their own private world

This world extends to the nearby forest
Where they have created a pretend home
(And pretend others to play with)
Primarily, well, guess we couldn't say

Sometimes, when everyone is comfortably in bed
And sleeping well, and peacefully so
A loud rapping can be heard at the front door
More terrifying than one can imagine

The property seems to be a frequent stop for strangers
Many of them lost and looking for directions
Some of them friendly and talkative
Some of them just wanting to move on, quickly...

... To be continued