Lawrence Sharp | + Follow Poet |
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On the Possibly Departed

I don't, and probably won't 
know the truth of her fate,
I don't know whether she left us, 
but I do remember her well.
Tall, slim, quiet and shy, 
I remember her deep orange hair,
and an awkward prettiness that grew.
But more than the sight of her,
and the lack of sound of her,
I remember a peculiarity.
She was there every day,
and then she was not there
almost every day.
Many I've seen since
and suddenly not seen since.
Each had their own story,
stories that I'll never know.
I don't, and probably won't
know the truth of their fate.
We chattered with amusement,
callous or unknowing,
when she appeared for a day at a time.
A day at a time,
two, maybe three times a year
for a year-and-half or two.
Later I heard a whisper,
dread disease, it said,
and it all made nasty sense.
Moments past midnight I awoke
to the horrible understanding
that perhaps she wanted only
to feel normal for a day.

11th August 2018

Copyright © Lawrence Sharp | Year Posted 2018

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Quoth Theraven Date: 7/14/2019 11:08:00 AM Lawrence, I like this poem. Like Richard commented, I am surprised there aren't more comments. I would guess it is because it resonates in too painful memories. That's a walk some don't like to take in life. Though all will one day. -Richard Login to Reply Lawrence Sharp Date: 7/16/2019 11:01:00 AM Thanks for visit and comment, Richard. You're right, the raw spots are not easily engaged.

Besma Riabi Dziri Date: 8/18/2018 11:21:00 AM Achingly beautiful and impressive write! I read it over and over along with empathy and pleasure.. I like your poem and enjoyed reading. Be blessed. Login to Reply Lawrence Sharp Date: 8/19/2018 1:33:00 AM Thank you very much for the kind words, yours to enjoy.

Charmaine Chircop Date: 8/16/2018 3:37:00 PM Oh how terrible when someone is ill or worse terminally ill..How difficult for them to try to feel normal again...How hard for those around them to know what to say..in the moment..Life is lile that..So make the best of every minute lent to us..Such a profound poem. Login to Reply Lawrence Sharp Date: 8/17/2018 8:05:00 AM It's been a few weeks, Charmaine, it's very good to see you again. Thanks for the read, and for the thoughtful feedback.

Richard Lamoureux Date: 8/14/2018 7:07:00 AM I’m surprised there are not more comments. This is really well expressed and interestingly rendered. A wonderful and sensitive poem. Login to Reply Lawrence Sharp Date: 8/14/2018 9:58:00 AM Thanks Richard. Raw memories revisited.

Harry Horsman Date: 8/12/2018 4:33:00 AM Amazing poem, Lawrence, of whom it is, i can only imagine, Orange hair, intriguing. Again a wonderful poem. Login to Reply Lawrence Sharp Date: 8/12/2018 11:32:00 AM Thanks Harry, very encouraging words from a very fine poet, much appreciated.