Dark Reality - After the Party

I stand here weeping, alone, and numb
in this opaque light. The visitors have left-
my masquerade of acceptance, with them.
Their words of comfort did hypnotize me-

for a while- with smiles, even some laughter-
friends, family- looking to mix and catch up,
making it feel like a reunion party-
milling, shaking hands- hugging, kissing.

They're gone.  Now, this painful reality rules.
I kneel here forlorn, bereft, in front of you-
one hand on the dark mahogany veneer
of your everlasting, lifeless resting place-

the other on your cold, once-loving, hands
that held and comforted me with warmth.
I bend to kiss your lips- caress your cheek.
Oh, death, you slipped in like a silent thief.

The sky suddenly turns blue-ebony
and matches the deep, dark obscurity
in my soul- and my shattered heart crumbles-
as I walk away to now face life- after the party.


May 28, 2017

Contest: The Clearing
Sponsor: Craig Cornish
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017


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Date: 2/25/2023 5:22:00 AM
Hi Sandra, I had given this 2nd in the contest but removed it because only new poems were allowed - sorry, I obviously liked it but...
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Craig Cornish
Date: 2/25/2023 4:58:00 PM
Thank you Sandra - always love your writing!
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Sandra Haight
Date: 2/25/2023 6:45:00 AM
Oh dear, Craig, I do not know how I missed the new poem requirement! But I appreciate you letting me know that it could have been on your winners list. Thank you. Sandra
Date: 1/9/2020 12:54:00 PM
Congratulations on your win!;)
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Date: 1/9/2020 12:24:00 PM
beautiful poem sweet Sandra - glad to see you back, sorry I haven't been around too much...congrats on a well deserved top placement. Happy New Year! x:-)-luloo
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Date: 7/3/2019 11:30:00 AM
Oh, this is a very, very sad poem. Congratulations on your win :)
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Sandra Haight
Date: 7/19/2019 3:31:00 PM
hank you very much, Kaveesha, for your nice visit and lovely comment. I appreciate them so much. Sandra
Date: 2/10/2019 6:57:00 PM
Sandra, I was captivated by the beauty and grace of the grief you so elegantly express. A poignant and intimate portrait that touches the depths of my heart with its tender sadness and despair. Superb poetry. Congratulations on your wonderful win, my friend.. ~Susan
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Sandra Haight
Date: 2/14/2019 7:44:00 PM
Thank you very much, Susan, for your visit and lovely, uplifting and supportive comments. A sad one for me to write for sure...I've seen this happen to many of our friends now that we're all aging. Thank you again for your always kind words. Hugs, Sandra
Date: 2/5/2019 11:36:00 PM
Congrats on your win, Sandra. Well done.
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Sandra Haight
Date: 2/8/2019 8:11:00 PM
Thank you very much, Line! Hugs, Sandra
Date: 9/27/2017 7:10:00 AM
Congratulations on your well deserved placement
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Date: 9/23/2017 4:34:00 AM
Congratulations, Sandra on your win with a beautiful poem.
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Date: 9/22/2017 10:23:00 AM
Sandra, CONGRATULATIONS on your placement with this amazing write !
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Date: 9/22/2017 10:17:00 AM
Congratulations, Sandra, wonderful write. Hugs Eve ~`*
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Date: 9/22/2017 7:23:00 AM
Well done with this dark piece for placing in Russell's contest, Sandra. Hope you're well.
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Date: 9/22/2017 7:04:00 AM
Congrats!!! my friend on your fine placement...nicely penned Sandra...god bless...^WW^
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Date: 6/20/2017 3:26:00 AM
Amazing. So well done Sandra. Congratulations.
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Date: 6/6/2017 10:25:00 PM
Wow, magnificent write Sandra, congratulations on your win!
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Date: 6/6/2017 9:13:00 PM
oh sweet Sandra..this was amazingly deep and beautifully dark! Exactly what I was hoping to read in this contest. I am not surprised to see your lovely name at 3rd place. Be blessed...thank you and congrats :)
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Date: 6/6/2017 9:13:00 PM
A melancholy piece! Congrats, Sandra!
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Date: 5/31/2017 5:45:00 AM
Powerful ending line in this well penned poem Sandra..best wishes
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Sandra Haight
Date: 6/6/2017 3:15:00 PM
Thank you so much, Joseph, for the nice comment. Sandra
Date: 5/28/2017 11:33:00 PM
Deep and dark Sandra. Thoughtfully written.
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Sandra Haight
Date: 5/30/2017 1:17:00 PM
Thank you very much, James, for your visit and positive comments. Sandra
Date: 5/28/2017 3:27:00 PM
Deep and dark indeed, I could feel the emotion flowing in this poem!
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Sandra Haight
Date: 5/30/2017 1:15:00 PM
Thank you so much, Arthur, for your positive comment. Sandra
Date: 5/28/2017 2:25:00 PM
Definitely dark, Mrs Sandra. Very sad. I'm certain it will top the list:)
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Sandra Haight
Date: 5/30/2017 1:15:00 PM
Thank you, Daniel, for stopping by with your supportive comments. Sandra
Date: 5/28/2017 2:03:00 PM
- The reality can be painful and hard ....... a meeting with the cold death ...stand alone in their grief ... a heartbreaking poem, Sandra - Good luck in the contest - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
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Date: 5/28/2017 1:43:00 PM
Wonderfully creative poem here, Sandra. Your deep, dark words set the stage so well! Good luck in the contest :)
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Sandra Haight
Date: 5/30/2017 1:07:00 PM
Thank you very much, Laura, for your nice comments. Hugs, Sandra
Date: 5/28/2017 1:19:00 PM
Very well written poem Sandra :)
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Sandra Haight
Date: 5/30/2017 1:07:00 PM
Thank you so much, Heidi! Hugs, Sandra
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