Spaces

People still show up, with food in hand, planning to force feed their sympathies
If you are one, ...I beg you, please do not notice the empty space beside her
I beg you, please do not console her with eyes cast low, by sense of guilty gladness
in the  knowledge that you aren't wearing her shoes, standing in her place 

You watch her smile a thank-you, turn away and shut the door
You watch the leaves swirl circles at your feet, as you scurry away, relieved and sure
aware that keeping the space between the two of you, will keep away the curse,
the broken heart, the empty house, the space upon the chair, the empty plate,
the empty bed....the dreaded silence everywhere
Ignore that space beside her if you can, and see instead the person she has always been

Do not fill the space with empty words, with an awkward glance upon your wrist
where time demands your every move, where someone waiting holds your hand, 
shares their love
your space, your meal, your couch, your bed, your dream, your home

Look beyond the trace of shock, numbness, despair, the sorting out of tragedy
She is still the girl she used to be,..ignore that space beside her, if you can

Were it not by God's good grace,  she could be you.



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Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Kimathi Avatar
July 15, 2016 at 4:32 AM
I love the way you've brought out the raw nature of human beings, in a balanced tone ... Congrats Carrie, for your well, deserved first placement in the contest!! ;-)
Haight Avatar
July 14, 2016 at 9:48 AM
Carrie, congratulations on your well-deserved First Place win! Your poem really made me think...and how true but sad are your words that hit home to me as I read them. A 7 and Fav for me! Hugs, Sandra
Canerdy Avatar
July 13, 2016 at 8:45 PM
A 7 for this top-win piece, Carrie!
Teagan Avatar
July 13, 2016 at 7:49 PM
Carrie!! wow... I feel great that your name came up on top, I guess that means I'm a good judge after all :D Congratulations on your first place win in my contest!
Teagan Avatar
July 13, 2016 at 9:30 PM
Carrie, I just want to add that your poem was one of the few that made me choke up a little.. it is so easy to relate to this, and I think that is what makes this a good poem. A theme many can relate to, and simple language to convey the feeling... simple, yet brilliant. You're a talented lady.
Allison Avatar
July 23, 2015 at 2:29 AM
I have a lump in my throat having read this Carrie - many congrats on your win:-) hugs Jan xx
A. Sharma Avatar
July 23, 2015 at 1:16 AM
Loved this emotive n thoughtful write of yours Carrie! Congrats on ur win!
A  Avatar
July 23, 2015 at 12:24 AM
Carrie, Congratulations on your win, I was amazed by all poem. Forever **SKAT**
Mehta Avatar
February 5, 2014 at 12:25 AM
IT impressed me too and congrats on the win, carrie
Dillard Avatar
February 27, 2013 at 12:58 PM
Carrie, SoupMail coming. I hope I didn't mess it up. RAY
Gildersleeve Avatar
February 27, 2013 at 4:39 AM
Carrie this is just beautifully written. I've read most all the poems here for this contest and yours touched my heart. Best Wishes, Connie
Dillard Avatar
February 26, 2013 at 10:55 AM
I have a daughter too, you know. And, I swell with emotions as I read your loss. I hope I shall never experience the depth of your sadness. Maybe the writing helps. Forgive me if I say too much! RAY
Horsman Avatar
February 25, 2013 at 3:18 PM
amazing poetry Carrie, so profound, and a meaningful message..
Falotico Avatar
February 24, 2013 at 6:27 AM
Wonderful on every level there is.. a warm heart..... hugs Michael
Dietrich Avatar
February 24, 2013 at 1:00 AM
wow, Carrie, what an amazing write you have produced from Susan's theme of "space." I wish I could think up one as good as this. I'm just really struggling with this particular contest. This is really a thoughtful and sensitive prose.
Ryerson Avatar
February 23, 2013 at 3:59 PM
Mercy me, Carrie...this surely hits home...I remember getting my Christmas bonus and giving a hundred bucks to a old homeless soul...Was it genuine or was I just easing my guilt?... Should I have given him the whole bonus? I think so...Have you ever heard the John Prine song 'Hello in There'?...this reminds me of that song...potent poetry my friend - Tim
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