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Here Lies a Broken Man

Here lies a broken man Here lies a broken man... fractured in his fragility, without a plan Hope vanishes, escapes with delusions Broken minds, broken hearts... so much for a brand new start Visions of eternity, crash and burn in her mind Her delusional imposters supplant our reality. Lightning strikes to the brain burn our happiness to the ground. On the floor lay my fragments... her love was the glue that held me together. She was my beautiful consolation my savior... my everything she was my inspiration, my hope. She was... John Derek Hamilton February 16,2021

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Brian Sambourne

Date: 10/8/2022 6:58:00 PM

Such a heartfelt, moving poem about the loss of a much beloved mate. Quite incredible how the physical presence of someone can remain, while their soulful essence is much changed. I join the chorus of all the other poets here wishing you well. Sincerely, Brian

Juliet Ligon

Date: 4/18/2021 8:52:00 PM

A very personal write that shows how much one can be affected when their loved one suffers. Praying for you both.

John Hamilton
Date: 4/19/2021 10:09:00 AM

Thanks Juliet for your kind visit and concern, this write is 4 years old so things are much better now!

Michelle Faulkner

Date: 4/14/2021 5:00:00 PM

So heartbreaking, John, those lines 'her love was the glue/that held me together' and the sadness of 'She was...', it makes me think of my mother, actually, as she slips into the fog of dementia - while I won't say 'I feel your pain' because that is uniquely yours, I do have some understanding of what its like to have a loved one slowly slip away. I must made this a Fave now~

John Hamilton
Date: 4/18/2021 2:30:00 PM

Thanks Michelle it is a unique experience, thank you for understanding, and a special thanks for the fave!

Susan Ashley

Date: 3/20/2021 4:45:00 PM

Oh John, I remember when you were going through this heartbreaking time 4 years ago. Your poetic expression leaves me breathless; it's so poignant, so powerful and so palpable. A haunting piece of tortured beauty that will cling to my consciousness. "She was..." - what a gripping ending. I can relate to what you're going through, my dear friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

John Hamilton
Date: 3/21/2021 4:16:00 PM

Thanks Susan for remembering, I was glad to find this poem but it brings back a profound sadness I felt at the time and in a way still do. I'm pleased you like this simple but heartfelt offering. Sometimes trials and tribulations bring out some special writing. Glad you came by today!

Susan Woodrow

Date: 2/25/2021 8:07:00 AM

touching write ... it is very hard to deal with mental illness...your ending reminds me of my mom's brother who became schizophrenic and she often said 'he was' cos even with meds, he was a shadow of his former self :)

John Hamilton
Date: 2/25/2021 1:09:00 PM

Yes it's true my wife has serious schizophrenia and medication helps to keep her from going back to the hospital, but I lost my wife even though she's with me...it's very hard...grieving a person who's still alive...it's soo hard!

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 2/25/2021 7:19:00 AM

I have up to now written about my wife's death four years ago, but I never explored the details of her dementia. In actual fact she loved me even in her condition. I cared for her but never written about it. I don't think I ever would really. Your poem pulls at my heart as I know what you must have felt. From your poem I detect she has left us. If so she is now at rest. If not I am glad meds help. An excellent emotive poem.

John Hamilton
Date: 2/25/2021 1:07:00 PM

Thanks Victor I can say that I understand losing a mate, because her illness took her away from me. Medication helps , but when she was in the hospital it was for six months, the doctors said there was no guarantee she would come back to reality but she has...but she is not the same woman I married. I'm still grieving her loss but she's still with me...it's very strange and very hard.

S.Zaynab Kamoonpuri

Date: 2/19/2021 1:17:00 AM

Aw such a touching sentimental poem for a wife, you depict it and express the feelings in a brill, superb soulful way. Kudos!! .......... - - - - - - _____ _ _ Plz do read and comment my newest poem too.

John Hamilton
Date: 2/21/2021 9:32:00 AM

Thanks zaynab will pass by yours today.

Barbara Barry-Nishanian

Date: 2/18/2021 1:33:00 AM

Oh, John, My heart cries for you going through this 4 years ago. Alexis said meds helped her loved one. I hope things have changed, for you as well. We all need God's Kingdom. Take care dear friend.

John Hamilton
Date: 2/18/2021 7:42:00 AM

Thanks Barbara she's doing well now, meds do help!

Regina Mcintosh

Date: 2/17/2021 4:29:00 AM

WOW... Incredible... rich with powerful stanzas... beckoning to the heart. Love it. With hope for more... God bless you with love and prayers, Gina

John Hamilton
Date: 2/17/2021 8:40:00 AM

Thanks Gina nice of you to pass by today!

Vijay Pandit

Date: 2/16/2021 3:51:00 PM

So emotive, touching--true to life! Here lies a broken man...broken minds...broken hearts...that says it all, John. You paint in bleeding words the pain one feels when a dear heart is suffering. You have a theme for your next song.

John Hamilton
Date: 2/17/2021 8:39:00 AM

Thanks Vijay nice to have you pass by today, thanks for your kind words of support!

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 2/16/2021 1:08:00 PM

Very sad, John. When we lose a loved one, it's hard to find "inspiration" to move forward. Beautifully penned free verse! Hugs, Carolyn (Soup mail)

John Hamilton
Date: 2/16/2021 1:18:00 PM

Thanks a lot for your kind words Carolyn

Jan Allison

Date: 2/16/2021 12:17:00 PM

such a moving piece John, thanks for sharing:-) hugs Jan xx

John Hamilton
Date: 2/16/2021 12:31:00 PM

Thanks Jan

Alexis Y.

Date: 2/16/2021 11:20:00 AM

WoW! John What a powerful and moving piece from the perspective of someone who's loved has a mental illness.It not only affects the one that has the illness, it affects everyone that’s close to them. From my own experience ( a family member with a mental illness), I felt so helpless and my world came crashing down, due to their illness. You pray for them to get well, my prayer was answered through medication. Thanks for highlighting this issue, mental illness is real! - Alexis

John Hamilton
Date: 2/16/2021 12:31:00 PM

Thanks Alexis yeah it was a very distressing time for sure, thanks for your kind words!