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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

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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.!

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

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 6/24/2019 9:41:00 AM

I was a fan. Well expressed piece! Thanks for your visit.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Arturo Michael
Date: 6/23/2019 4:39:00 PM

Correct...nevertheless too many people are mistaken...