Dan Cwiak Poet Free verse

Eulogy To My Brother

Was it all that long ago
  when we drove thru the streets,
Singing those crazy drinking songs
  that you taught me?
Oh, how I wish for those days again
  when the boulevards came easily.
Our voices in the open air as we sped
  in that sports car of yours.
Your death gave me a voice that
  I did not know I had until you left me in that void.
Now, words fill the pages of a writer
  instead of the notes of a musician.
Sometimes the tempo rises 
  Other times it is staccato and slow.
How can I tell others my memories of those days
  as I watched your courageous battle.
Your voice still sings those songs in me
  from I know not where.
Was it all that long ago...

written: 8/11/2015

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Janice Canerdy August 26, 2016 at 8:25 AM A 7 for this very moving WINNING poem, Dan! Janice Dan Cwiak August 28, 2016 at 8:18 PM Thank you, Janice. I was not looking for validation with this work, but rather wanted to let others know how I felt about his death and its effect on my life. I appreciate your comments very much.

Teddy Kimathi August 26, 2016 at 6:40 AM Congrats Dan, for your WIN with this wonderful piece!! ;-) Dan Cwiak August 28, 2016 at 8:14 PM Thank you, Teddy. It was an interesting time for the two of us, as he taught me much about life at that age. I appreciate your words.

Skat A August 17, 2015 at 3:36 PM Dan, Congratulations on the DON'T FIGHT IT.....WRITE IT!! contest... SKAT Dan Cwiak August 28, 2016 at 8:11 PM Thanks SKAT. I am so grateful to so many like you who feel my words worthy of comment. You keep me writing. (( )) Hugs Dan Cwiak August 28, 2016 at 8:07 PM Thanks SKAT. I am so grateful to Skat A August 17, 2015 at 3:36 PM :( still a fav

Constance La France August 14, 2015 at 8:00 PM Dan, I am so sorry for your loss, your poem is so heartbreaking and full of love, God bless and thanks for visiting my make-believe poem Dan Cwiak August 28, 2016 at 8:06 PM Thanks for your comments, BW. I always appreciate your reading of my work and helpful notes. He has long since gone...but it was his death that began my poor attempts at writing, as I wrote a different eulogy for his memorial service.

Skat A August 13, 2015 at 2:29 PM this got me a little teary-eyed Dan, a high spirit and love for life you've seemed to have shared not many siblings have that bond keep the love strong and the memories stronger may your pain turn into strength, Luv Skat Dan Cwiak August 16, 2015 at 1:43 AM Thanks for your words. It has been many years since he has been gone, but I still remember those songs. Thanks for the fav. Skat A August 13, 2015 at 2:32 PM i must fave this

Andrea Dietrich August 12, 2015 at 12:37 AM oh my gosh, this is so utterly beautiful and tragic. Sorry for your loss. You expressed your eulogy so eloquently . I have never been able to write one to do justice to the brother i lost back in '85. Dan Cwiak August 16, 2015 at 1:49 AM I don't remember the year he died, but I still remember the songs. This is a second eulogy I wrote for him. The other was much different, more about distinct memories than this that I delivered at his memorial service. His death was the catalyst that got me to begin writing.