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An Empty Street

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Dale's High School Picture:

Dale is on the far right standing behind me. This was our last picture taken with him, I think 1985.

 

One Texan day, a man close to his prime, sat down on a curb beside a tree. It was an empty street; there was no crime nor danger anywhere that he could see. But suddenly, the world he knew would cease to be. He’d lived a goodly life and sacrificed to leave his home and get a law degree. If there were a man I knew with attributes of Christ, he would be that man, for the epitome of someone with great love and compassion was he. I know this because he was my brother, and within our somewhat crazy, blended family, I would have to say there was no other among us all who worked so tirelessly to be a friend to all while meeting all his goals. Ah, life’s finality! He was on the threshold of his dream to practice law. Then out of nowhere, as he sat there on that empty street, the headlights of a drunk kid’s car he saw barreling down on him. My brother Dale, so sweet, was – in an instant- gone, for life sometimes can so unfairly fleet. Written Oct. 19, 2016 for Broken Wings' Words Drowned In Tears Poetry Contest

Copyright © | Year Posted 2016




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Date: 10/30/2016 7:02:00 PM
This is so beautifully written. Very powerful . I can see why this won a contest - well deserved win. :)
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Date: 10/24/2016 6:07:00 PM
Andrea congratulations on your win in my contest with this heartbreaking poem full of sorrow.i have lost a brother also so I know this pain
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Date: 10/24/2016 12:33:00 PM
terrible Andrea, I am such a fighter against drunk driving!! I've also lost many people to this problem that can so easily be prevented! Makes me so upset...congrats on your placement :)-luloo
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Date: 10/24/2016 9:31:00 AM
A very emotional piece, Andrea.... This is a deep dedication and a great tribute to the one you hold so dearly.
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Date: 10/24/2016 1:24:00 AM
Andrea. I have no words, so I won't say more than this. And perhaps congratulations are not the best wishes here too. So.... just hugs. Darren
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Date: 10/23/2016 11:12:00 PM
Dear Andrea, such a tragedy...i just don't know what to say.....my eyes were moist reading your poem this morning....very sad....:( your words are drenched in tears, a great tribute to Dave:)...congrats on the top placement//love, Anu:)
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Date: 10/23/2016 7:37:00 PM
Thank you. I'm moved, and the picture- you're so pretty, and his lawyer suit! -- The lawyer, like the poet, does battle on the field of truth. Your tribute shines bright for all.
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Date: 10/23/2016 7:11:00 PM
What a tragedy. Congrats on your win - this is a wonderful tribute to him. I am so sorry for your loss. Agnes
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Date: 10/23/2016 6:11:00 PM
Heart ranching, Andrea, :"(
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Date: 10/23/2016 3:34:00 PM
Awfully sad! <3 Congrats on your top win!
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Date: 10/23/2016 3:29:00 PM
Such a sad sad story Andrea I have read of Dale's tragic death before - his memory will live on through your poetry:-) hugs jan xx
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Date: 10/23/2016 3:28:00 PM
Oh Andrea - it's tragedy wrapped in stirring magnificence. A fine tribute I know brought a smile to Dale's face to know his sister is infinitely loving and talented.
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Date: 10/23/2016 8:57:00 AM
So sad. I too had a brother who was killed by a drunken driver. WHen I think of taking a drink now I think of Bill and my lungs. Love, DAve
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Date: 10/23/2016 8:05:00 AM
Wonderful tribute to Dale.
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Date: 10/23/2016 6:10:00 AM
So sad and tragic! Even though I had previously read about this tragedy, it still hits deep now as I read this tribute. A heartbreaking memory! ~ Regards // paul
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Date: 10/22/2016 3:35:00 PM
Hi Andrea, This heartfelt write pulled at the heartstrings.It moved me to tears , it's so sad when some one who had their whole life before them is gone too soon. Because of someone else's carelessness and irresponsibly. I'm so sorry for your loss. I know this loss very well, my little brother was hit by a car many years ago.This heartfelt write should do well in the contest.A without a doubt seven:- )Alexis
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Date: 10/22/2016 3:26:00 AM
Your brother would be touched to know how much he is loved and still remembered Andrea. So sorry about your loss. This is a beautiful tribute. 7 ; )
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Date: 10/21/2016 2:19:00 PM
How tragic, to lose your brother in such a way. This is a wonderful tribute to him. Love, Kim
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Date: 10/21/2016 4:04:00 AM
I have goose-flesh reading this, it's difficult to critique such a poem, when someone's pain is a horrific reality. There are no words, nor enough sorry's to make up for such a loss.
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Date: 10/21/2016 2:57:00 AM
How sad it must be to lose such a young, ambitious brother who worked "to be a friend to all." My sympathies for your loss, but commendations on a beautifully crafted tribute to Dale. I have just posted a new contest and hope you will check it out. You can win jewelry. Hugs, Carolyn
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Date: 10/21/2016 12:01:00 AM
I actually came to read this again tonight, I cant put my finger on the absolute reason, other than it resonated with me! :)
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Date: 10/20/2016 11:04:00 PM
Heartbreaking Andrea, so well written and makes me feel sad when any tragedy occurs as this! Hugs!
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Date: 10/20/2016 10:26:00 PM
Sometimes our words have to come from a special place.This is one of those times. For the record my heart cries tears of love. Warm and tender. You did your brother proud. Through you he has touched me and I am better for it.
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Date: 10/20/2016 9:09:00 PM
This is so sad Andrea, great poem, but so sad /|\
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Date: 10/20/2016 8:39:00 PM
Is this a true story? I went to law school for one year - and was very unhappy there. I prefer the company of poets to that of lawyers - if you want to check out a lawyer who was a find poet check out Louis Zukofsky. What do you think of Bob Dylan winning the Nobel Prize for literature? Peace & Love Matthew Anish
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