When you left this room,
or a room somewhat like it,
stepping into the light
you were dazzled by the sudden brilliance,
only gradually coming to terms with it.
Now, overwhelmed by the darkness,
by the stillness, dazzled still
by the light you learned to take for granted,
(impossible in this quiet room to see
what faces you) you grope for a chair.
The thought of turning back passes briefly
through your mind, you refrain
from opening the curtains, knowing,
telling yourself, the moment will pass,
the after-image fade, the echoes
of outside be absorbed in the silence.
Be still in the dark,
listen to the silence,
understand
this room was waiting for you.
Paul, this intriguing poem of yours could be interpreted in many ways and I could mention a couple more other than this one. There is a poem called 'Death Is Nothing At All'. The words of the first stanza read - 'Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, that we still are. There are five more stanzas and they would fit beautifully in with 'Going Into A Dark Room'. So top marks for letting me think about it and at least find an interpretation for myself! I wonder could yours be same/similar/different. 10 Karin Anderson
Brillant.May mean different things to different people.Some of which can evoke an unnamed horror.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
yes, this room will always be waiting for us...and hopefully the last time we return to it, we will have absorbed the light and will not need it anymore in that dark room...a haunting piece Paul...