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

Poem

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Cornish Avatar
February 25, 2023 at 5:22 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...
Cornish Avatar
February 25, 2023 at 4:58 PM
Thank you Sandra - always love your writing!
Haight Avatar
February 25, 2023 at 6:45 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
Chiri Avatar
January 9, 2020 at 12:54 PM
Congratulations on your win!;)
Scars Avatar
January 9, 2020 at 12:24 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
Ruwindi Avatar
July 3, 2019 at 11:30 AM
Oh, this is a very, very sad poem. Congratulations on your win :)
Haight Avatar
July 19, 2019 at 3:31 PM
hank you very much, Kaveesha, for your nice visit and lovely comment. I appreciate them so much. Sandra
Ashley Avatar
February 10, 2019 at 6:57 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
Haight Avatar
February 14, 2019 at 7:44 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
Gauthier Avatar
February 5, 2019 at 11:36 PM
Congrats on your win, Sandra. Well done.
Haight Avatar
February 8, 2019 at 8:11 PM
Thank you very much, Line! Hugs, Sandra
White Avatar
September 27, 2017 at 7:10 AM
Congratulations on your well deserved placement
Sinha-Roy Avatar
September 23, 2017 at 4:34 AM
Congratulations, Sandra on your win with a beautiful poem.
La France Avatar
September 22, 2017 at 10:23 AM
Sandra, CONGRATULATIONS on your placement with this amazing write !
Roper Avatar
September 22, 2017 at 10:17 AM
Congratulations, Sandra, wonderful write. Hugs Eve ~`*
Lane Avatar
September 22, 2017 at 7:23 AM
Well done with this dark piece for placing in Russell's contest, Sandra. Hope you're well.
Warrior Avatar
September 22, 2017 at 7:04 AM
Congrats!!! my friend on your fine placement...nicely penned Sandra...god bless...^WW^
Murray Avatar
June 20, 2017 at 3:26 AM
Amazing. So well done Sandra. Congratulations.
Roper Avatar
June 6, 2017 at 10:25 PM
Wow, magnificent write Sandra, congratulations on your win!
Rodrigues Avatar
June 6, 2017 at 9:13 PM
A melancholy piece! Congrats, Sandra!
Scars Avatar
June 6, 2017 at 9:13 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 :)
May Avatar
May 31, 2017 at 5:45 AM
Powerful ending line in this well penned poem Sandra..best wishes
Haight Avatar
June 6, 2017 at 3:15 PM
Thank you so much, Joseph, for the nice comment. Sandra
Inman Avatar
May 28, 2017 at 11:33 PM
Deep and dark Sandra. Thoughtfully written.
Haight Avatar
May 30, 2017 at 1:17 PM
Thank you very much, James, for your visit and positive comments. Sandra
Vaso Avatar
May 28, 2017 at 3:27 PM
Deep and dark indeed, I could feel the emotion flowing in this poem!
Haight Avatar
May 30, 2017 at 1:15 PM
Thank you so much, Arthur, for your positive comment. Sandra
Turner Avatar
May 28, 2017 at 2:25 PM
Definitely dark, Mrs Sandra. Very sad. I'm certain it will top the list:)
Haight Avatar
May 30, 2017 at 1:15 PM
Thank you, Daniel, for stopping by with your supportive comments. Sandra
Andresen Avatar
May 28, 2017 at 2:03 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 :)
Leiser Avatar
May 28, 2017 at 1:43 PM
Wonderfully creative poem here, Sandra. Your deep, dark words set the stage so well! Good luck in the contest :)
Haight Avatar
May 30, 2017 at 1:07 PM
Thank you very much, Laura, for your nice comments. Hugs, Sandra
Sands Avatar
May 28, 2017 at 1:19 PM
Very well written poem Sandra :)
Haight Avatar
May 30, 2017 at 1:07 PM
Thank you so much, Heidi! Hugs, Sandra
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