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A Thump on the Head - No Regrets

In times of impending demise, you might see your life being replayed across your mind. Sometimes it’s in fast forward, sometimes in slow motion, sometimes both at once. Life flashes in random order, constantly cycling in and out like an out of control tilt-a-whirl at the county fair. You’d think that with all those moments stuck on a playback loop that one would walk away with perfect recall of all the events. Not true. You can remember things like the first time you pooped in your diaper and that piece of Bazooka Joe bubble gum you pocketed when you were ten years old. Every detail, no matter how small or insignificant will come flooding back. But what the heck just went down, draws a complete blank.

when death feels certain, 
life flashes by in seconds—
don’t regret the show
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Freie Avatar
September 5, 2025 at 10:44 AM
The "Show" is how we grow, Brother Brotherton, but as far as my memory goes, sometimes it ebbs, sometimes it flows! The river is wide and there's a lot of debris inside. I might be in dire need of a little brain washing! Damn, I'm out of quarters! Sorry it's been so long my friend.
Baker Avatar
July 9, 2025 at 4:10 PM
You are a master of the Haibun form, my friend. Another insightful poem with a powerful little Haiku. I think I'm overdosing on the replays of my life right now. They just keep coming. Many are not as I remember them being. LOL A poet friend in Texas, Bill
Derden Avatar
June 22, 2025 at 9:45 AM
"don't regret the show" I like that, but having had multiple times of impending demise I've yet to experience the flashbacks...mostly just intense regret that I would never see my wife again...but that's just me I suppose. We are all the same and yet maddeningly different.
Etgen-Baker Avatar
June 20, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Fabulous and insightful writing, Jerry! Using the Haibun form was perfect. I loved the ending message. Sometimes I can remember even the smallest details of my childhood, it flashing by in those seconds you mention. Well done & a fav, yellow rose
Wolf Avatar
June 5, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Like a candle ablaze moment before extinguishing, or a fountain spurting up before it's switched off. ~ gw
Rose  Avatar
June 5, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Bazooka Joe bubble gum lol, now your taking me back to summer days in Mtl. and the little candy store. The way it smelled soft and sweet, and the little cartoon it contained, which we read faithfully. love this a fav for me Jerry
Brotherton Avatar
June 5, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Thanks for your kind words. Much appreciated my friend.
Andresen Avatar
June 5, 2025 at 9:18 AM
- Regretting one's life is a completely useless feeling... it cannot be changed, Jerry - Great written :) - hugs
Brotherton Avatar
June 5, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Thanks Anne-Lise for leaving such a wonderful comment.
Rodrigues Avatar
June 5, 2025 at 4:28 AM
So true, Jerry. Our minds are interesting.
Brotherton Avatar
June 5, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Thanks Kim.
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The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide
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