Deadline

A friend is terminal
yesterday he told me
standing in the parking lot
stunned, I was blank
wordless affection, noble silence
clasped his hand
we wouldn't hug

We weren't that close
still I sunk inside
fear in me, mixed empathy
how close do you need to be
to share lonely moments of humanity
we're all in the same queue
that, and taxes always come due

He said he's okay
that is his answer
to pancreatic cancer
haunting smile from quivering lips
fake laughs, shrugs
some live years on, he wryly said
vowing happiness till the end

There's a deadline now
not his, it's mine
he's made his peace
my deadline starts today
I share my hugs with you in words
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Kauffman Avatar
April 26, 2020 at 10:44 PM
Profound, honest and wise, Greg. Thank you for the hug. May your hugs be returned a thousandfold. Many blessing friend. Congratulations!
Gaul Avatar
April 27, 2020 at 7:56 AM
Your kindness is most appreciated. Since this is a true story, that guy is still alive and okay. More than a year. Congrats to you as well for your recent placements.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace