Notes About The Poem

My cousin died several years ago, now. 

Speculation

Close together, we chat.
Relatives, cousins - our mothers: the twins.

In the wind, ghosts;
we speculate.

We wonder while we
chitchat and munch.

Distant memories
of practical jokes, tokes;
days before she ran away;
& not questioning her
upon her return.

Sitting on my lavender bedspread;
laughing, listening; forlorn-ing.

Her i.d. tags, army surplus look,
blonde hair; my long locks, dark brunette.

In the Summer week,
we speculate on ghosts;
something we know nothing about.

We stood, took turns
standing over his coffin -
her brother joked
to relieve the tense.

All together, our gang;
our mother’s brother was twenty-five…

My cousin was fifty-two;
in the wind, ghosts,
I’ve surpassed

speculation, leans differently today,
knowing one day,
this world will fade,
as another comes into view.

Close together, we’ll chat,
as relatives speculate.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Kendrick Avatar
August 11, 2025 at 4:20 AM
It is so hard on us when we lose a close family member but remembering them in tales of their life helps the healing process. Thanks for sharing this one about her/him and your feelings toward her/him. Sara K
Rodrigues Avatar
August 11, 2025 at 7:15 AM
Thank you, Sara!
Velasco Avatar
August 10, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Kim, this really touched me. It feels like sitting down with you and hearing family stories—full of little details, memories, and that mix of laughter and loss. “In the wind, ghosts” really sticks with me. Beautifully written.
Rodrigues Avatar
August 10, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Thank you kindly, dear Rowena! I appreciate your comments!
Hind Avatar
August 10, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Interesting, truly - the end doesn't seem so different than the beginning...maybe it's that way for those in the light, we'll always share light <3 love the emotion in this
Rodrigues Avatar
August 10, 2025 at 4:48 PM
it will be the left behind generation who will wonder about us. Thank you, Paige! I always look forward to your comments, leaning in and listening to what you think. <3
Etgen-Baker Avatar
August 10, 2025 at 3:54 PM
the 'coming' will definitely change our scope and 'speculation.' well said, Kim...enjoy your week, Sara
Rodrigues Avatar
August 10, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Thank youkindly, dear Sara! Hope you’ve had a wonderful weekend!
Goldsmith Avatar
August 10, 2025 at 12:24 PM
I enjoyed reading your wonderful yet sad "Speculation" write. Yes, this world will fade. Have a blessed day writing away.............
Rodrigues Avatar
August 10, 2025 at 4:51 PM
I find it so interesting, the way Pam and I would talk about eternity, then she left too soon (for me). Now, we know time draws closer to many of us going too. (not too soon) Hugs ~ Kim
Andresen Avatar
August 10, 2025 at 11:41 AM
- We thought it was fun to scare each other into believing in ghosts during sleepovers in our childhood/teenage years, but did we really believe it, or were we just living into an exciting story... - I think there is "something"... I've seen and heard... but what is it? - hugs
Rodrigues Avatar
August 10, 2025 at 4:53 PM
I like to think my family is enjoying their afterlife and not lingering in our sphere, at the same time it seems that we experience something of them occasionally. Hugs ~ Kim
Anaya Avatar
August 10, 2025 at 9:35 AM
We may not have the answers, we can speculate a real part of life. Bless the family that stays together, prays together and for hope to see them again in the new world. Just beautiful, Kim __xhugs
Rodrigues Avatar
August 10, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Yes and Amen! Hugs ~ Kim
Bell Avatar
August 10, 2025 at 9:21 AM
I think the dead like cheering up, and a bit of conspiracy adds to the debate. Must be where that saying comes from. ''If only the dead could speak.''
Rodrigues Avatar
August 10, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Interesting thoughts, Paul! :)
Buhagiar Avatar
August 10, 2025 at 2:44 AM
Seems your ghosts are having a lark when they get together. And why should we not share our memories? Lovely poem.
Rodrigues Avatar
August 10, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Truly :) Hugs and thank you, dear one!
Gasun Avatar
August 10, 2025 at 12:39 AM
Beautiful poem my dear poet friend Kim. Reminds me when relatives/family see each other again, so many speculations, sharing memories etc. I enjoyed reading your amazing free verse write today. Thanks a lot for sharing. Thanks also for your visit on my poem. God bless you and the whole family. Happy wkend/new wk ahead! Hugs
Rodrigues Avatar
August 10, 2025 at 4:55 PM
How interesting life must be on the other side! Hugs ~ Kim
Manassian Avatar
August 9, 2025 at 11:38 PM
I like how the poem comes full circle back to speculation. It's full of nostalgia and some painful memories... all part of this life. There's a better life to come. Thank you for your visit to my page and the hug. Blessings :)
Rodrigues Avatar
August 10, 2025 at 4:57 PM
I am drawing in a breath as I read your comment. Yes, nostalgia and some painful memories. Most difficult was when my mom died 4 years ago…can’t get more real than that. Hugs and blessings, dear one!
Pigeon Tart Avatar
August 9, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Evocative however delicately so, snapshots or glimpses stirring memories, the conversations, indeed speculations. You have captured this so well. xomo
Rodrigues Avatar
August 10, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Thank you, Maureen! You always see the sharper points of our poems. You are much appreciated xx
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