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Death and Entrances

...inspired by the performance piece 'What's He Building In There?' by Tom Waits A green glow dribbles 'neath his door, and clamours of construction mutter, bellow and insinuate, his broken voice belies a whole man, straining with a stutter. He comes and goes in dead of night, I mark his shuffling gait, his wheezing terrifies and taunts me, nervous as I am to peek, behold this stranger's face. The sounds persist for seven weeks, relentless, with a purpose, still I'm reluctant to confront this man, anxious, desirous. Then all at once the banging stops, the green glow disappears, I'm left to wonder what he built 'midst stammering and tears. Overwhelmed with curiosity I wait for his return, his latchkey kills my modesty, I stand before him now; elderly, his shoulders bent, palms pressed as if to pray, a penitent, upon his knees, head lowered in a bow. For in the stark and silent room an altar is revealed, intricate and fine beyond compare, with flowers and still photograghs, a child is honoured there, I took his arm and knelt with him in prayer. The line stretched down the hallway now, those offering respect, the passing of a little girl brought many to reflect.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2009




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Date: 3/31/2009 11:59:00 AM
Heartfelt and touching piece, Keith! Well done! ~Trudy~
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Date: 3/31/2009 10:24:00 AM
So touching. An alter to a child, so sad but so tenderly written. Your words flow so beautifully. This is just another example of your amazing talent. Great write. Smiles from Lolita
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Date: 3/31/2009 10:06:00 AM
Wonderful tribute to a girl, great flow and imagery, intense, holds the readers interest to the end. A very gifted author. Judy Riley
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Book: Reflection on the Important Things