Notes About The Poem

This poem is for my friend David Grabe, today April 1st (April Fools Day), he was in a domestic dispute with his wife. She shot him twice.  He died sometime around 1:30 am, after spending the night out for his wife's birthday. 

In Parting

We were brothers, you and me.
and with Daniel, we were three.
left with little but brotherly trust.
We survived a youth of dirt and rust.

Careless teens, we were wild. 
Stuck between adult and child.
To play it safe? no sir, not us.
We always seemed impervious. 

We built a fort of nails and wood.
We slept out in to prove we could.
a wash tub fire, we careless kept.
that burned the fort up, as we slept.

Through good times and some bad.
Never complaining of the little we had.
You were my rock, the two of you
and through the hardships you were true.

So here in parting, at this tragic end
To you, David, my loving friend.
though you may never hear me say.
Today one of my heroes passed away.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Zerlaut Avatar
April 1, 2022 at 7:36 PM
Hard to believe it's been five years. I still miss you David.
Buck Avatar
June 20, 2017 at 8:38 PM
Jesse: What a wonderful memorial to what must have been a "good" friend. Thank you for sharing those thoughts with all of us on the soup. Keep them coming. oldbuck
Zerlaut Avatar
July 8, 2017 at 1:04 AM
He was a flawed man, but I like to think we're all flawed. He means a lot to me, he got me through some of the hardest struggles of my youth and had we not been so close I couldn't say where I'd be today. Thank you for reading.
Dietrich Avatar
April 28, 2017 at 7:02 PM
oh my goodness. What hearbreaking news for you. And your poem is very well written and poignant, Jesse. It deserves a win in this contest.
Zerlaut Avatar
May 1, 2017 at 2:07 AM
Thank you Andrea, though it wasn't wrote for a contest, that means a lot to me.
Pinet Avatar
April 12, 2017 at 6:56 PM
Your words are clean, and your thoughts are pure, as you relay a story filled with love, friends and the impetuous of youth. The imagery and shear innocence of your words are impressive, and show the depth of love you carry in your heart for your friend. Emile. #7
Zerlaut Avatar
April 27, 2017 at 1:55 AM
Thank you Emile, he meant the world to me. I'll see the third of our Musketeers on Saturday at the Memorial. He's yet to read this poem.
Deo Avatar
April 11, 2017 at 12:44 AM
did i leave you a 7? Now there@ shalom my Brother & Friend
Zerlaut Avatar
April 11, 2017 at 2:48 PM
Thank you for that :)
Deo Avatar
April 6, 2017 at 7:58 PM
Jesse, touching poem. Great memories of bold youth, THREE MUSKETEERS?! I am so sorry for your loss. U did him proud by commemorating your brother/friend/Hermano in this piece. A "7" in my humble opinion. Shalom, shalom (AD).
Zerlaut Avatar
April 10, 2017 at 10:20 PM
Thank you, Anil. Yes we were the Three Musketeers if the Musketeers didn't stand for justice and the crown. Our loyalty was to ourselves and I'm surprised we didn't get ourselves in trouble with the law at points.
Bertin Avatar
April 6, 2017 at 12:12 AM
Thanks for your comment on "whispers". my ex is good at finding 1.00 pop machines, sometimes in odd places!
Zerlaut Avatar
April 6, 2017 at 12:46 AM
and even $1 pop is still so cheap compared to a lot of them these days! Walmart has cheap ones out front sometimes.
Bertin Avatar
April 4, 2017 at 12:00 AM
What a tragic waste of life, I offer my sympathies. A beautiful poem.
Zerlaut Avatar
April 6, 2017 at 12:46 AM
thank you, sir.
Teagan Avatar
April 2, 2017 at 11:20 PM
Very sad, Jesse :( I'm so sorry for your loss. This is a beautiful tribute for your friend. Hugs x
Zerlaut Avatar
April 3, 2017 at 10:14 AM
Thank you, Becca. There are gramatical errors galore.. I just haven't had time to face them. I'm sure I could have made this a great deal longer as well. Just my fondest memory was building a huge fort in the trees with him and his younger brother... it caught on fire while we were sleeping. We were so reckless back then.
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