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The Flame Is Still Burning

Death isn't what you think it is,
At least not when you sit with Death

Death I know. I know because once
I was in the same room with Death

Death isn't horrific, she, he is not a monster,
it was not frightening when I met Death

Death claimed my father when I wasn't there 
but she, he waited for me, the night I met Death

Death took the warm breeze from my father's chest
left him cold to the touch I was there next to Death

Death stole my father's voice left him quiet among the roar
of silent tears. I felt the moisture in the room next to Death

Death left with no more then what filled shallow pockets
graciously bowed on the way out, so I bowed to Death

Death I knew walked out empty handed as he does
my father's life still burning in memories, so I bowed to Death

my father's body was dead in that hospital bed 
but I couldn't help kiss warm my father's flesh
but I couldn't help speaking to him "I love you Dad"

three years passed since that night
my father is still alive in memories bright
he accomplished so much, touched so many
never a time when I needed my Dad
never once was he not there to help

how could you be sad for a man like that

he lives in my heart sheltered there
even when I am long gone he will live
preserved by my children and then theirs

how could you feel sad for a man like that

Always stood a giant in the largest of crowds
He was loved and admired, he never died
He was just needed somewhere else

Death isn't always what you think. he, she came and left
light as a feather I barely felt the presence of Death

Death?
 I've met him, when I meet her again
there will be no fear 
Death! 

It isn't always what you think it is.
When I met Death it was gentle as a lamb.



Maurice Yvonne
09/23/2014
Contest: The Poet III
Sponsor: Gautami Phookan
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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A   Avatar
September 25, 2014 at 8:50 PM
Neverrrrrrrrrr!
Mcdaid Avatar
September 24, 2014 at 5:08 PM
touching deeply beautifully drawn piece maurice excellent pen
Deschler Avatar
September 24, 2014 at 1:51 AM
I believe that death is a very peaceful and natural part of life. We should not fear it as much as we do. I think it is what awaits us after death, that we do fear most.... This is a truly beautiful and moving poem. Really great writing, Maurice! Good luck in Gautami's contest!
Yvonne Avatar
September 25, 2014 at 9:21 PM
Thank you Kelly.
Dietrich Avatar
September 24, 2014 at 12:47 AM
OH my Gosh, this is so eloquent. a FAVE for this one now. you make your dad seem like an extraordinary man . I really admire how you extol him. and the way you paint death. Thinking outside the box. Love this.
Yvonne Avatar
September 24, 2014 at 6:13 PM
Thank you Andrea.
Meier-Hans Avatar
September 23, 2014 at 6:58 PM
Words written so beautifully. I don't know for sure if it's what Demetrios said about maturity but I made peace with death this year and it's a wonderful feeling. I'm glad you spoke of death so tenderly Maurice.
Yvonne Avatar
September 23, 2014 at 7:11 PM
Thank you Brenda.
Onclaud Avatar
September 23, 2014 at 11:12 AM
ohh, marvelous poem full of gentle emotion, maurice... your thoughts on the theme and your father are simply breathtaking.. huggs
Yvonne Avatar
September 23, 2014 at 4:13 PM
thank you Nette
Trifiatis Avatar
September 23, 2014 at 10:23 AM
Not to fear death is a sign of maturity and knowledge. I lost both my parents when ten years old and not a single day passes by without thinking of them both. It is so beautiful you think of death as a friend and an ally. Many poems have I written on the subject and have the same attitude towards him/her. Beautiful, sentimental and wise poem! Good luck, my friend, Maurice!
Yvonne Avatar
September 23, 2014 at 4:13 PM
thank you Demetrious.
Mehta Avatar
September 23, 2014 at 8:03 AM
You have expressed very touchy feelings for your father, MAURICE
Yvonne Avatar
September 23, 2014 at 4:12 PM
Thank You, Dr. Ram
Allison Avatar
September 23, 2014 at 8:00 AM
A wonderful tribute to your father Maurice his memory will always live on in your heart:-) hugs Jan xx
Yvonne Avatar
September 23, 2014 at 4:09 PM
thank you Jan.
Smith Avatar
September 23, 2014 at 7:59 AM
We all will die and you accept it, it will be peaceful.
Yvonne Avatar
September 23, 2014 at 4:08 PM
thank you Tim.
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