John A'Hern | + Follow Poet |
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Notes About The Poem

The poem was written after my visit to a sick friend, she wanted a last chat. After getting my thoughts around as to how she must have felt, I visited her. Her bravery in facing the news she had been given about her health, amazed me. I fell into a black hole of thoughts, the poem came to me quite easily.

Innocent Email

Innocent email arrived today
From a friend in constant pain
The content read, then read again
Just saying hello and how are you

Exchanges between friends over backyard fence
She spoke of issues as friends can
Words used as blows to the head
Death and gloom are her companions

Deep breath taken preparing myself
A visit was made to a sick friend
Two hours of listening to horror stories
A time given, a sentence to be served

Time and pain her constant companions
I sat and slowly sank into surrounding darkness
Clearing possessions, her only action
Clear her belongings, peace for the soul

Tears had flowed until none were left
Able to talk of death and its intent
In a daze we said our farewells
Left her standing on the edge of a precipice

A distant figure waving farewell
My mind unable to comprehend
I now sit at my desk so confused 
Attempting to say what is best 
This is the line where I must stop.

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Robert James Liguori Date: 9/24/2021 6:48:00 PM Incredible poem. Life's challenges are emotional especially in these situations. Thank you for your poetry. Login to Reply John A'Hern Date: 9/30/2021 2:01:00 PM Hi Robert, thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my poem. I do not know where the strength came from on the day I visited my friend. A couple of hours of chatting and cups of tea, like a dream sequence.