Regina Mcintosh Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

Oh, How I Cried

It was summertime and healing from the winter’s dark
Felt like memories were alone and silent, warring with the doubts
Leaves green and dancing with the breeze, wings of hope
Laughing at the lost moments when we played tag with hide n’ seek
It was a game, summer’s cure for the past that was all pain
Clouds of melancholy folded into shadows where Michael gave us
All the ice cream and root beer we could eat and drink, consume
With overwhelming urgency, appetites for a home cooked meal
Crushed beneath the sugary syrup and cold vanilla breath

It was summertime, before the moon and stars caught up
With twinkle of fireflies in a Mason jar, quarts of shimmering
Lights, delighting our hearts and our thoughts with their breathless
Glow, their embers alive with silent joy, amazing music only 
Discovered in the dusk, just before day fled into the ebony distance

It was summertime and Michael wore his camouflage fatigues
After the Army, he never seemed without some tale, flickering images
Moments of comical whims delighting, inviting the twinkles, laughter
In Granny’s clear, blue eyes – alive with the love she had for him
The youngest boy of six siblings, all gone off on their own now
Inspired by the croaking frogs on the edges of a summer evening
Blended with hearts who were beating hope, light, love…
Before Michael would leave, dying beneath the heavy cruelty
His alcoholism wore him down to a shadow of the child she’d known
The man who laughed so that he seemed to vibrate, tremble
With the joy that poured forth from his throat, his wonderous light

It was summertime when he died and I mourned… oh, how I cried







2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 11 Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Mark Toney
August 3, 2022

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Susan Ashley August 14, 2022 at 11:36 AM Oh, the wistful poignant beauty of "It was summertime" only deepens and darkens as one experiences its repetition, and the imagery, memories and tragedy of your heartbreaking poem. Such powerful emotions pour forth from your soulful pen, Regina. A potent, haunting piece. Congratulations for your excellent win in Mark's contest. Warmest wishes, love and hugs, my sweet friend.. ~Susan

Andrea Dietrich August 14, 2022 at 11:18 AM wow, the epitome of poignancy, Regina. Big congrats to you in the marathon . I agree with Mark how your repeating phrase really enhanced the message and the read.

Mark Toney August 12, 2022 at 1:10 PM Regina, with the recurring phrase "It was summertime" you remind us of all the wonderful summertime memories from childhood to our teenage years, and into adulthood. All seems well, even for Michael, until the "heavy cruelty of his alcoholism wore him down ..." Thank you for sharing your heart with us. We are so sorry for your loss. With this heartrending poem, you have secured a win on Mile 11 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon Contest.

Valsa George July 30, 2022 at 9:06 PM 'His alcoholism wore him down to a shadow of the child she’d known'. Such a poignant tale of death and loss. It is so heartbreaking to lose a sibling who left a lot of joyful memories behind. Since the death was untimely and in a way invited, it becomes all the more painful ! So sad, so many end up in similar fate. May God ease your pain, Gina.....

Robert Gorelick July 29, 2022 at 11:28 AM Such a crushing loss and grief to bear. The photograph speaks loudly of such grief. I lost a dear aunt to alcoholism, painful for everybody. Robert

Mike Bayles July 29, 2022 at 8:22 AM This is a beautiful poem, filled with delight and sadness. I like the line, "Clouds of melancholy folded into sadness." Amazing detail. It can be so sad to see someone in the grip of alcholism.

Mystic Rose Rose July 28, 2022 at 6:19 PM So many fond memories of this wonderful man, those memories is what keeps them alive in our heart, a very sad tale dear Gina, well told, it evokes so much emotion, thank you for sharing it.

Anne-Lise Andresen July 28, 2022 at 12:28 PM - I'm sorry for your loss, my friend - A heartbreaking piece of writing - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Panagiota Romios July 28, 2022 at 11:28 AM Golly, Gina, condolences to you. We all have inner demons but might not let others see them. I have known people who offed themselves and murderers, too. They are usually jovial, and one suspects nothing. Ever since then, I am untrusting of people who never shed a tear or are glum.my husband died decades ago. It was hard to believe. He was so fun and full of life. Prarers for you Panagiotaxxx

Tom Cunningham July 28, 2022 at 4:42 AM A very emotional write Gina, we never know the problems that people are having and unable to cope with their demons, turn to alcohol or drugs to try and blot out those painful memories that they have but more often than not it ends in tragedy. I'm sorry for your loss, I hope you are keeping well. Tom