An apparition
in the shadows of dusk
the released dove
is hiding in vain;
helplessly white
in an ebony wood
as prayers for peace
in a warmonger’s house;
therefore staring at walls
we wait, we forget
that once it was we
who argued for change.
Today it is Open Link at dVerse hosted by Grace. Join us when the pub opens.
September 25, 2025
Björn Rudbergs writings 
Beautiful. I think we’re on the same wavelength today. Dark but a poet’s hint of light.
I also found our poems strangely similar…
I pictured in my head, following a trail within the forest and sensing strange either good or heavy apparitions.Nevertheless, the ending captured a moment of hope for anyone and how we must feel as we interpret such a phenomenon. Now, this was my understanding of your poem. I know others might get a different take. 🙂
I am glad of your understanding of it… it is always refreshing and the apparition may be ghostlike or something else…
You always make me think and question. I like that about you, my friend. 🙂
I love the contrasts in this poem, Björn, and the haunted feeling you’ve captured.
Thank you… darkness is scary
The dove is hiding but we know.it is there, i think that is a very powerful motif
much♡love
We need hope
All things always change, no matter who seeks it or how successful (or not) the quest, eh? But we never seem to leave the ebony behind, do we?
Well we need to find the light to walk against
Love the contrast of white and ebony, peace and war. I am optimistic still of the future.
Long term yes, but the crazy way it is done today I wonder.
Well done! I love the minimilistic image of the white dove in the dark forest calling for peace!.
Well…. chatgpt did a good job on the illustration
Yes they did!
It feels that he contrasts in darkness and light creates a wonderfully contemplative mood – Jae
You capture all of our souls hiding in this troubled time Björn – very moving…
I love the contrasts, the dark and white, the hope and fear. It captures so much of our thoughts.
Wishing love and light to everyone.
Sitting in the (present) safety of Australia I fear for all my friends in America. These are troubled time for people who care and think and your writing catches that fear in a most ghostly way.
Apparitions can be worrisome as they seem to linger in places of darkness. The contrast of the the white dove flying on the wings of prayers in the dark woods is especially effective.
Very thought-provoking! It feels as if it comes from a deeply honest place, which encourages me to examine myself equally honestly and deeply.
Awful this tense and dreary dark global mood with so little perch for the bright.
The mood is ok where I am Brendan! 👍 Stay positive!
The last stanza is very strong and provocative. Reminds me of the phrase ‘be careful what you wish for.’
Nice one Björn.
Is the poem generated by ChatGPT or just the image or both?
Only the image
Timely and to the point, Bjorn!
The contrasts worked so well and echo the times we are living in.