Home » Poems » Richard Lamoureux » Chill In the Air

Chill In the Air

Death waited
Sat patiently in the hallway
We all sat there with him
Looking at 
and not seeing the paintings on the wall
We took turns 
waiting, visiting, waiting
The hallway
Where tears stung our eyes
We cried together in that hallway
Why didn’t we notice death?
Maybe because he brought no flowers
Maybe he blended into the  wallpaper
Shadows can hide in plain sight
He didn’t have anything to say
Still he would have the final say
Our loved one knew death was waiting 
Maybe that’s why
He asked us to close the door
Maybe he wanted us to lock the door?
Inside the room
We grabbed bits of happy
Told stories
Laughed like it was the beginning of spring
It let us pretend that we had more time
We wanted more time
But we felt the chill in the air
Sadly, Death had more places to go
More people to see
Still, Death let us say our goodbyes 
He waited for family and friends to arrive
He mercifully came when we went to the hallway
He slipped silently past us through the door
I think he whispered something 
But I’m not sure
One day when my time comes
I’ll ask him what it was
I hope he won’t be in a rush
I’m hoping summer will last a while longer
Is that a chill I feel in the air?

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Shadow Hamilton

Date: 9/24/2023 11:40:00 AM

Hi Richard this poem is full of emotion so lovely yet very sad hugs Shadow

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 5/24/2023 1:14:00 PM

I got the chills down my neck and spine Richard, death comes silently as quiet as a thief in the night. He will visit us all when he feels the time has come, such an excellent write my friend, where are you, have missed your eloquent poems. Blessings and hugs, Jennifer.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 5/24/2023 2:16:00 PM

Thanks, I’ve been posting on Facebook. I started a group called The Inspired Poetry Project.

FJ Thomas

Date: 12/19/2022 4:56:00 PM

Gripping is an understatement Rick. It pulls the heart throughout, then has you peeking over your shoulder at the end. Sad yet peaceful, emotional yet calming. Amazing

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/19/2022 5:12:00 PM

I love this reaction. It’s always nice to have you visit.

Harry Horsman

Date: 11/10/2022 7:37:00 PM

I've missed all of this, Richard, being on the other side of the world, the holding of hands those that raised me, the final hallway where to wait one's turn, the room too small to except everybody, feeling a duty to say goodbye. Your poetry my friend, gives me an insight, and as usual your unique style so impressive. I have not yet wish anyone a merry Christmas, and the best of the New Year, I have now. Richard to you and your family....Harry 'A Fav'

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/10/2022 8:48:00 PM

Thanks so much dear friend. It is always a pleasure to have a visit from you. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones as well. Also Happy New Year.

Weston Gregory

Date: 10/25/2022 7:44:00 PM

A couragous piece so many I am in awe. It's true grit not to try and give in to fear but to esteem that whisper. This is sad but wistful and restful. I truly honour the bravery and pray peace on you and your.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/27/2022 3:20:00 PM

What a wonderful response. It was a good death. 93 years old and 92 of them living independently.

Nancy Kaufman

Date: 10/17/2022 2:33:00 PM

amazing metaphor's..so sorry for your loss. I hope that they didn't suffer to long..

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/18/2022 7:14:00 AM

Thanks Nancy. He was 93 so he did a good job of keeping Death in the hallway for a long time.

Nancy Kaufman

Date: 10/17/2022 2:33:00 PM

amazing metaphor's..so sorry for your loss. I hope that they didn't suffer to long..

Eileen Manassian

Date: 9/26/2022 12:06:00 PM

This tugged at my heart, Richard. Its absolutely brilliant in its meaning and so thought provoking. I miss you here.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/14/2022 5:33:00 AM

Hi Eileen, to many competing activities. I do miss our early days here. Hugs Rick.

Bj Legros Kelley

Date: 9/25/2022 5:09:00 PM

I remember my dad's death, we never left until the light faded from his eyes and he was gone. It was terrible, yet merciful to see his pain pass from his once strong and much loved face. Many, many tears. Every one of his grandchildren were able to see him, hug him and tell him how they loved him. Your last line gave me chills. Stay warm, may sunshine shine upon your pathway of life for a long, long time Richard.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/14/2022 5:32:00 AM

Your response is poignant. Thanks for visiting.

Suzanne Delaney

Date: 9/23/2022 3:06:00 AM

Hi Rich: This is so charged with the tension a family would be feeding if someone was expected to die. The helplessness to change the inevitable…..and the stealthy, invisible nature of death’s persona. An exceptional write I am glad I didn’t miss. SuZ

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/14/2022 5:31:00 AM

Thanks so much for reading and for your kind response.

Susan Lawrence

Date: 9/21/2022 7:00:00 PM

Richard, You have created such an intense and realistic setting . An environment where death can be present hiding in plain sight. Waiting for others to say their goodbyes before he silently slips through the door. I feel this is what a lot of people experience in the last moments with loved ones...I loved "We grabbed bits of happy" Such a poignant piece. Hope you are smiling. Susan :)

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/14/2022 5:30:00 AM

Hi Susan, yes we are smiling. A beautiful time of the year here in Kelowna with much to be thankful for. Thanks for visiting and for such a thoughtful comment.

Mike Gentile

Date: 9/12/2022 9:53:00 AM

Richard, I was touched by the thoughts your your lines created for me! Relatable in every way and so well crafted, i found the entire read to be. I hope you do not feel a chill for quite some time!! Happy Monday !

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/12/2022 3:31:00 PM

Thanks Mike. I don’t worry about death but am not in a rush to move on just yet.;0)