Read Poem: They’re Gone, They Left Long Ago, by I. V. Greco

My home was poor, I could not stay
I had to leave, go far away
I left behind the ways I knew
For a land of promise, to start a new
Around that time, others came
Traditions, customs, we kept the same
Together, to support each other
With community, less we suffered
Prejudices and injustices did not destroy us
Grateful still we made the voyage
We kept our tongue and old traditions
For years, and years in rough conditions
Unknown to us back in the homeland
Progress came, you understand
I had my memories, I kept my ways
I thought it would remain that way
I hoped I’d see that home again
But it was not to be again
For on that day when I touched down
No traces there were to be found
For they had left, forever gone
So much changed so much seemed wrong
“No,” they said, “it’s not like that these days
The old are gone, we have new ways”
I rejoiced for this, but felt a loss I can’t impart
For a new life, I did find, but held the old within my heart
With dual passport in my hand
I returned to my adopted land
I realize I’m out of place
Being from the “other” place
Nor over there, I have a home
Not from all that I was shown
My home, I’ll never see again
No longer it exist, my friends
My friends and follow countrymen,
The clocks had stopped we live in yore
Back in the year of 1954

Author: poetryfest

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