Dreaming Spires

By MistakenMagic

Mon, 08 Feb 2010
  • 7903 reads
34 comments
 

Sleep-walking, last night, retraced
my steps to Oxford. Weary
from interview at St Catherine's
I stood, waiting at the crossing
near Worcester College,

standing, watching for a green man,
smiling, satisfied,
my parents beside me. 'If I get a place
I might spend half my college life
waiting for these lights.'

So distant now.
Filed in the vault of memory,
attracting dust, I'm losing
exactly how the crossing was set out.
Waiting there is all I muse on now.

Certificate U
Conversation With My Thirteen-Year-Old Self
Autobiography

Comments

Submitted by kheldar on
Beautiful, yet sad, your words took me up and I was standing there with you. David xx

cool

Submitted by MistakenMagic on
Thank you, David ;) Just booting out the last of my rejection demons! Magic xxx

 

Submitted by Beeme on
I agree with David I felt as if I was standing there with you. I could really feel the emotion, very sad but beautifully expressed. Beeme xx

k.

Submitted by Lem on
My rejection demons growl some nights :) Beautiful poem, expressed simply but so completely.

Submitted by MistakenMagic on
Thanks Beeme! I'm so glad this one spoke to you! Magic xxx

 

Submitted by MistakenMagic on
Thank you, Lem! You know I really loved your poem 'Almost Oxford' and it was one of the things that inspired this poem! Have you heard from any other universities? Magic xxx

 

Submitted by shoe on
Life is full of such moments, I especially liked the last stanza, something feels so big at the time, but becomes a dusty memory so quickly, hope that demon is put to rest now,:~}

 

Submitted by MistakenMagic on
Hello Shirley! Yes, I think the demon is almost gone now! This poem was a collaboration with a friend and he takes the credit for your favourite stanza - I'll pass on your compliments ;) Thanks, as always, for being a loyal reviewer! Magic xxx

 

Submitted by Firebird on
A lovely poem Magic... Like Shirley , I especially warm to the image of the "dusty memory"... "So distant now, filed in the vault of memory, attracting dust," x:)

 

Submitted by MistakenMagic on
Thanks Firebird ;) Magic xxx

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Magic, again you have 'done magic'. 'Every cloud has a silver lining' and this certainly proves it, hands down. Tina xxx

 

Submitted by MistakenMagic on
Thank you, Tina ;) And thanks again for your help with this one! Magic xxx

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
;-)

 

Submitted by Curse of 222 on
i think you should kick whatever oxford demons are left into oncoming traffic and be done with the whole lot! this poem is emotive and effective and does an excellent job of placing the reader beside you. jason

jason

Submitted by rjnewlyn on
Yes, Oxford - wonderful place but someone who lived there assured me it was stiflingly conservative. In my experience, much better to go to somewhere more real - and then to find someone in Oxford to visit from time to time and sleep on floors etc. More magical that way. I liked the way you captured fading memory.

 

Submitted by MistakenMagic on
Hey Jason! I think you're right - want to join me demon kicking? :P Glad you liked this one ;) Magic xxx

 

Submitted by MistakenMagic on
Thank you, Rob! I've heard the same about Oxford - most people who have studied there that I've spoken to either haven't enjoyed it or have had a very unspecial experience! Magic xxx

 

Submitted by jennifer on
I too am an Oxford reject but had a fantastic time at Nottingham and wouldn't change it for the world! They were mad to reject you, but trust in destiny... J x

 

Submitted by MistakenMagic on
Jen! It's great to see you around here again! I never realised you were an Oxford reject - but I'm glad you had a brilliant time at uni nonetheless ;)I'm still waiting to hear from Durham but if not I'll be heading to York :) Again, it's nice to have you back! Magic xxx

 

Submitted by jennifer on
Thanks, Magic, remember - what doesn't kill you makes you stronger! haha xxx

 

Submitted by Cavalcader on
new MistakenMagic Yes.it's sad but try look ahead. and I to say kick the demons out! Something else will come. We had our Silver wedding Anniversary Oxford Hotel. First time so pretty!Week there. julie xx

Submitted by Cavalcader on
new Jennifer I agree same as MistakenMagic Nice to hear from you. are you doing your lovely poems. Can't believe you rejected Oxford Well I never passed anything. julie xx

Submitted by MistakenMagic on
Thank you, Julie ;) I am definitely looking ahead and now I'm just very excited to be going to university - no matter where it is! Magic xxx

 

Submitted by Cavalcader on
New Yep! That's great news.The title "Dreaming Spires" we used to visit Cathedrals on holiday and he would collect me,if been in for prayers.Durham,Oxford. I can't do this but I'm very trying? Wish you all the luck in the world. When my mind used to lock,was like Capital block on computer wouldn't move. Book I read once, said shift key!so true. You must keep in touch when,with us all Abctales. bless you julie xx.

Submitted by littleditty on
sweet poem Magic - crossing/crossroads is what its about, well expressed - of course some say the metaphorical green man is always green! Onwards is the best way forwards and all that - you'll do great things wherever I reckon (I have a Poetry contact at Oxford for you when you organise the Inter Uni Poetry Slam/Mag/Anthology etc!!! A first year in English, she's ace - ahhhh the future's so bright, we'll all need shades! x:o)

 

Submitted by MistakenMagic on
Thank you ld! I'll let you know when I need your contact ;) Magic xxx

 

Submitted by Kahdai on
It is oxford that is missing out on you now magic! It's an inspiring place to visit, but I would never want to live there or stay for university, I just know I wouldn't fit in! Kxx

"I will make sense with a few reads \^^/ "

Submitted by MistakenMagic on
Awww thank you Kahdai! I agree, inspiring place but maybe only for visiting and not prolonged stays ;) Magic xxx

 

Submitted by Kahdai on
It's the building art skills I love most! Kahdai xxx You will let us know when you find somewhere better?

"I will make sense with a few reads \^^/ "

Submitted by Kahdai on
O I mean decorative architecture, if that makes more sense. :l

"I will make sense with a few reads \^^/ "

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