Daver Austin Poet Tanka

On Hearing of the Death of Friends

ON HEARING OF THE DEATH OF FRIENDS

whether close or far
if one is long accustomed
shock!    sudden but mild
“oh    he/she had long illness”
or    “I was surprised by the news”

close friends help a bit
one’s mind may be diverted
sight instead of depth
and always the heroics
“he/she was a good person”

everything weighed in balance 

the real blow    though    is
self-identification
one’s putrid body
one can almost smell the death
(oh    god    I’m only human!)

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Daver Austin September 12, 2010 at 8:25 AM I can just wee old Ichabod clacking along at a disjointed pace. Super effort. LOve, Dave

Susan Palli September 12, 2010 at 7:55 AM So well expressed!

Robert A. Dufresne September 11, 2010 at 6:22 AM Tragic and true to life and death. Humbling. Well done Daver.

Wilma Neels September 10, 2010 at 10:06 AM So much truth to this write Dave, death has a shock element on us no matter how strong or how expected it might be.. Insightful, love Wilma Ps: I was thinking of a volcano but one could say its a woman as well, I had to smile at your comment.. Thanks

Dr.Ram Mehta September 9, 2010 at 7:45 PM Well composed and conceived Multipla Tanka, enjoyed it, daver

Andrea Dietrich September 9, 2010 at 4:36 PM Excellent final line on this one, Daver. Yes, this is such a blow to us when we hear of someone dying. IT really makes us step back and "ponder." I think belief in an afterlife would lessen the blow, but surprisingly I've met many a Christian who took death very hard. A great topic, Daver! Luv, Andrea

Phyllis Babcock September 9, 2010 at 2:49 PM Funny thing is I just got home from a funeral today. The couple were married for 71 years . Death whether we expect it or comes suddenly is always sad. God Bless Phyl

Poet Destroyer A September 9, 2010 at 2:23 PM reading again, still i find this poem very intense. Enjoyed your poem,..p.d.

Carolyn Devonshire September 9, 2010 at 12:53 PM I think people are always "shocked" when they get the news, even if death was expected to come soon. And there's really not much you can say to ease a person's sorrow, Daver. Just be there with an open heart and a strong shoulder. People often seem to know when it is their time. Love, Carolyn

Sara Kendrick September 9, 2010 at 11:13 AM When it gets close to home it is very hard..We all have to face that fact and come to terms with it...I am glad that I chose this one to read today..Sara

Poet Destroyer A September 9, 2010 at 11:06 AM an interesting write, enjoyed this one..P.D.

Carrie Richards September 9, 2010 at 10:30 AM Such pure human insight to the complex feelings of knowing the harsh reality, that each one of us is destined and vulnerable whenever the fates decide. wow...what a power-packed poem this is. ~

Liz Walsh September 9, 2010 at 10:25 AM Stark - but true - Liz