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!)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010


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Date: 9/12/2010 8:25:00 AM
I can just wee old Ichabod clacking along at a disjointed pace. Super effort. LOve, Dave
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Date: 9/12/2010 7:55:00 AM
So well expressed!
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Date: 9/11/2010 6:22:00 AM
Tragic and true to life and death. Humbling. Well done Daver.
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Date: 9/10/2010 10:06:00 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
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Date: 9/9/2010 7:45:00 PM
Well composed and conceived Multipla Tanka, enjoyed it, daver
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Date: 9/9/2010 4:36:00 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
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Date: 9/9/2010 2:49:00 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
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Date: 9/9/2010 2:23:00 PM
reading again, still i find this poem very intense. Enjoyed your poem,..p.d.
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Date: 9/9/2010 12:53:00 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
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Date: 9/9/2010 11:13:00 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
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Date: 9/9/2010 11:06:00 AM
an interesting write, enjoyed this one..P.D.
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Date: 9/9/2010 10:30:00 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. ~
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Date: 9/9/2010 10:25:00 AM
Stark - but true - Liz
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