Returning
By Maryhale Woolsey
After long years, and near the evening’s dark,
I come again to this remembered place
Which once was home to me. My eyes retrace
The landscape, finding no familiar mark.
Old paths I walked, have vanished from the scene;
These trees are children of tall trees I knew,
Whose memory stands green and lovely through
The thickening glass of time – unchanged, serene.
And yet … I have a sense of welcome here,
As if invisible but eager hands
Reached out in greeting to one known, still dear,
Homecoming at long last from distant lands.
No place where once my life has lived a part
Can ever be, again, strange to my heart.
(1948)
What and exquisite poem, both in message and form! Do you have anything else from this poet?
Yes! I love her writing, too. Plug “maryhale” into the search box in Keepa’s sidebar, and you’ll find several poems and short stories by her, and an old biographical post by me. She was prolific, and I always stop when I see her name attached to something to consider whether it would be right for Keepa. (It always is!)
Thank you for the instructions to search on your site. I will use this feature often. And, thank you for your continued excellent work to keep us entertained and informed!