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** For Jackie (Kennedy) **

pink chanel -

~ For Jackie ~


what horrid irony ...
      I put this suit on because it was his favorite -
         pink, double-breasted wool bouclé, with navy trim ... by Chanel,
   matching pill box hat and white gloves

oh, the smile he shined on me this morn when he saw it ...
      that amazing smile that has charmed the world!
         the flash of teeth that stole my heart in Georgetown ...
   all those years ago ... and now ...

oh, dear god, it must be nightmare!
      please, please ... someone tell me it is a brutal dream!
         his favorite suit that I wore for him,
   now covered with his blood and flesh ...

and his precious head in my hands, lifeless
      the back of it is gone
         and what was just speaking to me moments ago,
   is now spattered on this suit

oh dear heaven, save me from this horror
      wake me to the morn and tell me it is but a hellish meandering,
         for I am wearing pieces of my husband,
   and this beautiful garment - that coaxed his smile ...

Is now a ragged raiment of death ... a spoil ... a stain
      my beautiful, beautiful man,
         my shining prince ...
   staring.






~ 9th Place ~  in the "Poetry For The Sake Of Poetry" Poetry Contest, John Lawless, Judge & Sponsor.

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Greg Gaul

Date: 6/8/2018 1:07:00 PM

Yikes Gregory, you've managed to flip me around once again, your faithful reader! Like an O. Henry of poetry. What a crafted and controlled telling of one of our era's saddest national moments. Masterful.

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 6/9/2018 8:47:00 PM

That's so very kind of you, Greg ... many kind thanks to you, my friend! :-)

Susan Ashley

Date: 6/7/2018 10:53:00 PM

Congratulations, Gregory, on your wonderful win with your poignant portrayal of a very sad time for Jackie and the nation. Up close and personal and beautifully done! Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 6/9/2018 8:46:00 PM

Thank you so much, Susan - so appreciated! <3

Line Gauthier

Date: 6/7/2018 10:02:00 AM

Back with well deserved congrats, Gregory.

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 6/9/2018 8:44:00 PM

Thank you muchly, Line! :-) <3

John Lawless

Date: 6/7/2018 7:59:00 AM

A dark day indeed. thanks for participating in the contest

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 6/9/2018 8:44:00 PM

Thank you so much, John, I am honored! :-)

Paul Callus

Date: 3/1/2018 4:36:00 PM

This is an emotion rouser, Gregory. I eagerly opened the pink chanel door and found this unexpected tragic scene. The end of a President...the pain of a devastated wife! Regards // paul

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 3/3/2018 6:05:00 PM

That's very kind of you, Paul - thank you so much for the wonderful comments, my friend! :-)

Line Gauthier

Date: 2/22/2018 11:58:00 AM

Wow, Gregory. The title bring a warm feeling... till we read to the end of the first line - and what an iconic picture that suddenly comes to life and, sure enough, as we continue to read you describe that very scene in all its horrible detail ! Absolutely perfect delivery. An awesome FAVE fro me.

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 2/24/2018 2:17:00 AM

That's so kind of you, Line, and I'm very happy that you enjoyed it ... I was hoping to impact emotions in a similar way that I was impacted at the time. Blessings, my friend.

Mike Gentile

Date: 2/22/2018 10:12:00 AM

Such a moving tribute, Greg. I will never forget that day. I can hear her echoing those words !!

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 2/24/2018 2:16:00 AM

Thank you so kindly, Mike ... I will never forget it, either, or John, Jr at the funeral. He was only three years younger than I at the time, and it made the first impression on me of the reality of losing a parent ... that stayed with me always. Blessings, Friend.