Arturo Michael | + Follow Poet |
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A Cold Stiff Shadow

A candle light

in a dark smokey room

Flames dancing

on the walls across the roof


A twinkling star 

high up in the sky

Suddenly falls away

into the space yard of goodbyes


Dreams do die

in the bitter struggle for gain

The last high

usually's never the same


Until it's over

Only the drugs remain

And a cold stiff shadow 

Payment for fortune and fame

Copyright © Arturo Michael | Year Posted 2019

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Vicki Acquah Date: 11/18/2019 3:40:00 AM What a great write, made me curious enough to find out more.! Login to Reply Arturo Michael Date: 11/18/2019 9:50:00 AM I'm amazing you gravitated to this poem... of one foot on Earth and the other in Heaven

Ann Foster Date: 8/26/2019 10:50:00 AM The payment is always a few cents higher than the coins in our purse. A poignant write my friend. So well written. Excellent. Ann Login to Reply

Richard Lamoureux Date: 6/24/2019 9:41:00 AM I was a fan. Well expressed piece! Thanks for your visit. Login to Reply Arturo Michael Date: 6/24/2019 12:04:00 PM You're welcome Richard...I was a fan too...Thanks for stopping by....

Connie Marcum Wong Date: 6/24/2019 4:30:00 AM It is such a tragic loss for a young man who had a wonderful future to share with us all. Your poem expresses that loss so poignantly and beautifully Arturo. I hope this is a top winner. Login to Reply Arturo Michael Date: 6/24/2019 12:02:00 PM It's a serious message...especially for those it may touch...Thanks Connie...All the best

Panagiota Romios Date: 6/23/2019 5:08:00 PM Oh, I loved River Phoenix so much! Your poem is more than eloquent. People do not know that any number of drugs are served at Hollywood parties, as easily as Hor d'dourves.{SP}. Multiple drugs plus booze can end any life. My message? Alcohol is a drug that few bat an eyelash at and it kills many. Sorry River is gone. Thanks Arturo. Login to Reply Arturo Michael Date: 6/23/2019 5:18:00 PM Completely correct...Alcohol is a big boss...and is usually combined with some deadly ninja drugs...we must find away to saddle those wild horses...

Gershon Wolf Date: 6/23/2019 4:05:00 PM Nice eulogy for yet another in a litany of entertainers who succumbed to drugs. The beat goes on...and on. :) gw Login to Reply Arturo Michael Date: 6/23/2019 4:24:00 PM I've seen too many talented kids go down the drain of life...most of them unknown...something must be done...

Lady Labyrinth Date: 6/23/2019 3:09:00 PM Such a beautiful soul lost. Some controversy though over whether drugs were taken by River of his own volition, or he was murdered. Interesting when you look into the background of River and the forensics. Nevertheless, sad, heart breaking and an example of abuse (not just the drugs, but the other types of abuse that go hand in hand ...particularly in that culture/Hollywood, L.A. and fame). Strong message in your poem, whichever way it is read. L Login to Reply Arturo Michael Date: 6/23/2019 4:33:00 PM In his case you might be right...but others believe its the stepping stone to fame and fortune... a terrible mistake indeed... Lady Labyrinth Date: 6/23/2019 3:09:00 PM https://medium.com/@jocwriters/the-curious-death-of-river-phoenix-88e47a0fa24b

Vijay Pandit Date: 6/23/2019 2:16:00 PM Heartbreaking imagery in your video..equally so in your poem..unfortunately it happens so frequently..well depicted story, Arturo. Login to Reply Arturo Michael Date: 6/23/2019 4:35:00 PM Thank you Vijay...anything to save another talented soul from destroying their lives...

Ralph Sergi Date: 6/23/2019 1:43:00 PM Hi Arturo: A poignant verse , Arturo. Some escape to drugs and some can't escape from drugs. Login to Reply Arturo Michael Date: 6/23/2019 1:49:00 PM Some flights take you on a one way trip...life isn't easy...but the lessons taught are before us...if we choose to learn...

Tom Cunningham Date: 6/23/2019 1:00:00 PM Sad verse Arturo, some can't cope with fame and get drawn into drugs. Tom Login to Reply Arturo Michael Date: 6/23/2019 4:41:00 PM I guess it hard to get to the top and even harder to stay there...we're in a body, and that body can only take so much...

Sunlite Wanter Date: 6/23/2019 11:47:00 AM So very sad. Still, none of us know the whole of a person. Login to Reply Arturo Michael Date: 6/23/2019 4:39:00 PM Correct...nevertheless too many people are mistaken...