Brian Sambourne Poet Free verse

I Know a Place

the ward is stamped white
a fidelity to fading, sometimes in a smear of shadows
in her corner, Lilly sits
                        wheelchair bound
                        her white hair falling
                                          like her winks at strangers

John's arrival cuts solitude
            raises Lily's soft shell of aging
            their homage to love like Billboard vows
            interlocked fingers that bind intimacy
till close knit words trail to song
his voice dusky
      washing over Lily like cologne 
Broadway tunes 
                  "the sun'll come out tomorrow 
                   bet your bottom dollar
                   that tomorrow there'll be sun"

his affecting gush of song ushers remembrance 
caught in the tucked curl of her smile
stoic
remarkable
peeling back impairment 
outside this place of pleading
outside what recedes to hollow

sands of life sifted into this short hour
place of togetherness 
as they want it to be
one soul into another



Poem written June 6, 2023

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Charles Messina March 19, 2026 at 2:10 AM Hey Brian, just reading some of your poetry, I love this one! Hoping all is well with you...long time, my friend. Charlie Brian Sambourne March 19, 2026 at 8:18 PM Thank you for the outreach Charles. It's been quite awhile since I have posted. I am seldom on this site. AI generated poetry here has undermined my push to write. Perhaps I will re- discover that urge. I hope that you continue to write. Be well. Brian

Dennis Spilchuk June 28, 2023 at 5:17 AM Beautiful verse. Aging is part of the life experience. Take care. Brian Sambourne June 28, 2023 at 6:05 AM Hi Dennis, Thanks very much for your message. I hope all is well with you. Cheers, Brian

Paula Goldsmith June 18, 2023 at 1:13 PM Congratulations on your win. A lovely story/write. Enjoy your day writing away.................. Brian Sambourne June 18, 2023 at 2:42 PM Thanks very much, Paula. I tend to write on what I observe. The loving devotion of this couple as Broadway tunes punctured the antiseptic air caught my attention. Be well. Sincerely, Brian

Terry Miller June 12, 2023 at 1:05 AM Wonderful, a huge congratulations Brian Sambourne June 12, 2023 at 6:43 AM Thanks very much Terry, for your congratulatory note. Best wishes, Brian

Sotto Poet June 11, 2023 at 5:09 PM Dear Brian, it is with great pleasure that I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your win in the contest. The tender moment you shared through your words left a profound impact on me, and I was deeply moved by the memories you evoked. Your work is truly touching, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Sincerely Brian Sambourne June 11, 2023 at 5:32 PM So very thoughtful of you, Lasaad, to voice merit for my poem. My sincere gratitude. My mother's nursing home has given me so many images of compassion. Take care of yourself. Enjoy these warm June days. With appreciation, Brian

Edward Ibeh June 11, 2023 at 4:15 PM What vivid portrait you paint with this powerful piece, Brian:-) You took me there! Heartiest congratulations on your top win! Brian Sambourne June 11, 2023 at 4:52 PM Hello Edward. Thank you for the sincere recognition. The lady described resides on the same nursing home floor as my mother. John's daily care for his wife is limitless. His songs to Lily soar. Best wishes, Brian

Bill Baker June 10, 2023 at 3:27 PM A tender moment of memories shared. Touching, Brain. Nice entry for the contest my friend. Good luck! A poet friend in Texas, Bill Brian Sambourne June 11, 2023 at 2:11 PM Greetings Bill. My appreciation for your message of support. I think the posting needs some work, some revision yet. I am not quite settled on it. Take care + thank you for your note. Best wishes, Brian