Notes About The Poem

In His Laugh

In the shadows of my mind
There is a memory of you, laughing
Despite the pain that hung like a curtain
Shading the windows of your heart,
Stopping the light who glistened
Just beyond your feelings,
Where doubt told you to disregard
The gentle touch of its shafts,
Promising energies that would silence
All the grief that followed you

In my memory, you are laughing
But it is a sham, filled with false promises,
Forged in pain and counterfeit like the summer
Who can’t last, who will move into autumn’s bleakness
Despite all the flowers who bloom with such joy,
The picnics and barbecues, the reminders
That every moment is a treasure, 
Blessing those who know that summer itself
Will not last and is a blessing to be thankful to know
Even though autumn is fast approaching

In the days before your death
You were like a fast approaching autumn,
Dressed in laughter and promising to listen
To my encouragement, the praise and support,
Like tokens of my love on display – yet
You were still dependent on the feeling, kneeling
To the bottle, the pill – abusing  your body
And your bogus laugh told the story of doubt
That you would ever find your way out of the habit
Before autumn claimed you and then…

Death whispered your name
Before I had the chance to say I love you – once again
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Chunn Avatar
January 22, 2023 at 4:05 PM
This is a truly moving poem that reflects the true nature of your uncle and your love for him. An inspiring example indeed!
Dietrich Avatar
January 21, 2023 at 1:27 PM
oh my, so beautifully sad and poignant this is. A wonderful example for us
Agustin Avatar
January 21, 2023 at 5:37 AM
Thanks so much for sharing this... making me nostalgic of loved ones gone... indeed, very inspiring. God bless you.
Goff Avatar
January 20, 2023 at 9:30 PM
Comments below are heartfelt Gina, likewise your poem...the reader (me) is gifted your story to personalize with association if wanted, such ache leaves a hole that can be camouflaged but never cured, hope for peace only thru God's Grace, thanks for sharing
Gauthier Avatar
January 20, 2023 at 9:53 AM
Beautiful tribute. Your closing is particularly touching, Gina ~
Delaney Avatar
January 20, 2023 at 6:14 AM
Your metaphor of the seasons reminds us of the cycle of life and how we would like to hold back the passing of one. sometime we are powerless against forces but your love would have eased his torment, Beautifully written, Regina. A FAV for me.
Krutsinger Avatar
January 18, 2023 at 1:41 AM
This poem in my opinion is not only a favorite for me, but should be declared poem of the year. "In the days before your death You were like a fast approaching autumn, Dressed in laughter and promising to listen" Wow!
Rees Avatar
January 17, 2023 at 4:39 AM
This is a lovely poem, very much from the heart. True love is here, beautifully expressed, but also the utter desolation of bereavement. I shall probably read and re-read.
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