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States of Poetry 2016 - South Australia | 'Back' by Jelena Dinic

by
States of Poetry South Australia - Series One

States of Poetry 2016 - South Australia | 'Back' by Jelena Dinic

by
States of Poetry South Australia - Series One

I walk through my hometown
as an uninvited guest.

Divorced
from communism

the old street has taken back
its maiden name.

I follow the steps of a lost child
watching myself

from the curtains
of memory's windows.

The doors of St Nicholas church
are rusty but open.

Inside familiar faces
and a sign

Buy candles here
they are blessed.

I count how many are needed
for the living

then for the dead
their smaller flames

burning violently
in my eyes.

 

Jelena Dinic

Comment (1)

  • This is such a beautiful and powerful poem. I love the visual imagery: "I follow the steps of a lost child, watching myself from the curtains of memory's windows." The sense of loss is so strong.
    Posted by Haidee
    28 May 2017