Keith Bickerstaffe Poet Verse

Basic Black

Basic black, they chatter like 
fiancees choosing flatware, 
obits their compulsion, 
scanning through the 
fine print for fatalities today. 
"Albert Johnson, such 
a young one, taken by his 

Maker, leaving children, 
such a shame!" A hunger for 
the details drives these gannets 
to their prey. They're not too far 
behind, and that's the reason 
for their passion, 
death and taxes, final call. 

Professional, they'll travel 
thirty miles to pay respects, 
their only consolation 
now that Frank and Jim are gone. 
Memories are treasures 
they will contemplate, while they wait 
in resignation, ready for their turn.

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Kelly Deschler November 6, 2013 at 5:50 PM I often read the obituaries in the newspaper. It is so sad to see such young people listed there before their time. I think the obituaries are a good reminder that we will be there too, someday. So, we had better live now, while we can. A great poem, Keith, very well written!

Kathryn Collins October 15, 2013 at 8:32 AM Dear Keith - Now this one grates like grinding teeth. Oh how I love to look at the obits, only now I'm age appropriate. love you, Kathy

Debbie Guzzi September 25, 2013 at 5:58 PM An odd take on mourning and death and those left behind, especially the reference to brides choosing flatware, it did make me feel uncomfortable which is a sign of fine writing! I think spelling out obituaries would work a bit better than obit? Light & Love

Shane Cogan September 6, 2013 at 5:16 PM A road we all take, but seldom stop on. Thanks for sharing your words, Keith. Clearly a personal poem. Well done. Shane

Donna Jones August 23, 2013 at 4:30 PM Stopping to say hi and see if you had a new poem...:-)

Karen Anglesey August 11, 2013 at 5:12 PM Very well written. Someone we have never met will be waiting to pounce if we haven't wrapped up all of our affairs. Sad but true. Great write :)

Ilene Bauer August 8, 2013 at 8:10 AM i meant - SO glad! (hate to have a typo!)

Ilene Bauer August 8, 2013 at 8:09 AM hey keith! go glad to see a poem of yours here. love the title and the opening simile - i'm still smiling over that one. yes, i've heard of people like this, although why someone would choose to attend a funeral of someone he/she doesn't know is beyond me. great poem!

Lucilla Carrillo August 7, 2013 at 7:17 PM This is very good. I don't know Frank and Jim - were they family? This is the road that we all have to follow one day. I agree that memories are treasures. sometimes when we can't leave riches to our children - we can go out and make memories for them. Those they will always have. Thanks for sharing...... Lucilla

Donna Jones August 7, 2013 at 3:40 PM Great one Keith...what is it about the obits? I'm guilty of this myself sometimes in our local paper...so many of my highschool grad class have Passed...