is where i’ve stopped
my last space this room
the accumulated must and musk
bundles of a journey
time past time present
from cavalry charge of growing
to carriage of mature
damp-scented map i will not fold
and slip in a comfortable pocket
for some future dry reference
the prints of my heart
guilty and innocent
are everywhere on shelves
and i’m in the habit
of leaving faint marks
on table chair paper pen
horsemen good and true
johnpoetflanagan 
I adore this and crafted so well. The lines are perfectly put together in a style I recognize as you!
Diane
Thank you so much for such a fine response
big hugs
john
What you write makes me THINK. This piece reminded me of why we have never had our table refinished – the tracks of children are pressed into its surface and remind us of when they were young!
That’s a wonderful comment, Noelle, and i can identify with it completely.
Thank You
big hugs
john
‘are everywhere on shelves’
sounds like guilt to me…..but that was just me reading your work.
so well done John.
Thank you, Gavin.
It’s always interesting how other people read and interpret work,
that’s very much part of the satisfaction.
Take the best care, Friend
john
Lovely as always.
Herminia
Thank you so much for your great support
big hugs
john
Likewise. I will always appreciate your kindness.
I really like the flavour of this poem, John. For me it has, dare I say it, a sense of contentment – a soul that has accepted. Is lot. A deep and moving piece.
Thank You, Chris
A sense of contentment is absolutely the way i was feeling and still do feel
after…all the years
Ever
john
Thought-provoking lines …. very nicely penned… 🙂
Thank You, Maniparna
Thank you so much
big hugs
john
Yes, I do believe as we acquire years we understand where “at” is in space and time. Beautifully written and thought provoking.
Tin Man
Thank You so much
Best Always
john
Ah, how I’ve learned to appreciate all that “accumulated must and musk” – thank you, John, for putting such apt words to those feelings.
This is such a fine response, Joan
Thank You
big hugs
john
Traces of time Uncle John – I love it!
Miss Mary
Your support means so much to me
Big Hugs
uncle john
Would love to hear this in your voice. Come to Vermont and read it over tea.
One of the finest invitations,
Dear Gina
i’ve ever received.
Would love to take you up on it but i doubt if ever i will
much love
john
This is what I bequeath, my emotions bared for the entire world to see, perhaps to even know. Regardless I am at peace with whom and what I am and have been. You live in a moment that is a marvelous place for the human heart to reside John. May peace and love be ever with you my dear friend. Jon Michael
Splendid response
Jon My Friend
as i’ve come to know and appreciate from you.
Ever Your Friend
john
Love the way you settled there, John. Time past and present is all we have to know.
Take a good care.
Inese
Thank you, Dear Inese
for such a fine comment.
Big Hugs
john
Truly Magical!!!
Thank you very much
Best to You
john
you’re welcome 🙂
I agree with one of the earlier commenters. Your writing always makes me think. I guess that is the best complimemnt of all. Good work.
Thank You so much
Best to You
john
Makes me feels as though I am the old man that I am. At least I have a past, something those who died young barely had. I don’t respond with sadness but certainly in a contempletive mood after reading. Merry Christmas.
Thank You, Carl
and
Merry Christmas to You
Wonderful to arrive at a bivouac, an oasis of rich contentment and fulfilment. Your pack horse can rest and you carry no baggage, not even hand luggage. You are in ‘a very good place’.
A wonderfully sensitive and finely written response
Dear Angela
Thank You, Friend
john
Always such a pleasure to stop by and see what you have been up to John! Ah….contentment…yes! Best wishes a new year filled with lots of love and peace ❤
Bless You, Lorrie, and the happiest of New Years to You, Friend
Ever
john
We leave our imprint where ever we touch, on the living and inanimate. Beautiful thoughts John. I failed to mention how wonderful it is to read you again! ❤
Love,
Holly
Thank you
Dear Holly
for all your support
Much love
john
my pleasure John.
Dear John
beautiful poem
best to you
Fais
Fais, Friend
Thank you very much
Ever
john
Beautiful images
Thank You, Thank You
john
My pleasure ♡