Notes About The Poem

The Last Call

He left his sneakers by the shore
A backpack too, was laid aside
to pick up when the sun had died

He claimed his other gear, instead
The thrill of rapids filled his head
and sounds of water drew him in
             His sneakers, backpack cast aside
             would wait 'til dusk, upon the grass
             when he returned to don again

They did not hear the roaring tides
They did not hear the shouts of fright
Nor did they hear, at last, the call
That came from voices through the night

Calls from those who searched the dark
While water surged and moonlight fell
And rushed instead,  to grip a life
              His sneakers, backpack, cast aside
              assumed that he would come again

His sneakers wait, .........he kicked them off
In haste his backpack, too, was tossed
The river flows...... and all was lost
The cost was more than words explain

There's someone home who got the call
The words so wild, the last, that came

                 His sneakers, backpack, cast aside
                 assumed that he'd return again
                 It lies not in their province now,
                 to know the cost of human pain


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Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Scars Avatar
September 21, 2016 at 8:23 AM
sadly beautifully written lovely Carrie...congratulations on your placement :)-luloo
Lamoureux Avatar
September 20, 2016 at 9:19 AM
This is so sad and oh so well expressed. Congrats on your win.
A  Avatar
September 19, 2016 at 10:19 PM
Carrie, a moving write, thank you for the entry. Congratulations on your awesome win. Stop by my blog "ROSES STINK." Celebrate with me. **SKAT**
Misra Avatar
May 30, 2016 at 9:18 AM
Very sad and beautifully expressed. An automatic 7, Carrie. Congratulations on your win. ~karam~
Smith Avatar
May 23, 2016 at 11:49 AM
Excellent! congratulations Carrie...
Davey Avatar
May 23, 2016 at 4:43 AM
What a tragic well told tale! Great writing and congrats on your placement
A  Avatar
May 23, 2016 at 12:31 AM
Carrie, Congratulations and thank you for sharing a poem you are proud of. Stop by my latest blog "Innocent of All" and enjoy the warm smile. :) **SKAT**
A  Avatar
October 27, 2015 at 9:57 PM
Lovely win. SKAT
Godwin Avatar
October 27, 2015 at 5:42 AM
Well, senile me - I could have sworn I commented on your poem after I read it. Look how wrong my memory is! I looked and wondered how it got erased, but that's not possible - it has to be me! I was so touched by this, it is a well conveyed, grabbing, sadness that intensified when I read it was based on truth. And you wrote sad in combo with clever. I thought I gave you a 7 - I'll do that now - promise. All I came to say was congratulations! CayCay
Marcum Wong Avatar
October 26, 2015 at 4:08 PM
This poem is so moving Carrie. I see why it has a first place was win. Congratulations my friend! Excellent! I am so mad at myself for not double checking. My Call of the wild was never entered like I thought it was.
Richards Avatar
October 26, 2015 at 4:56 PM
Oh dear, sounds like something I've done more times that I care to mention!! Spending much time writing for a contest, and then forgetting to enter! Oh, and I'm happy with 2nd, not first, but that was a nice surprise. Thanks, Connie!
Nance Avatar
October 26, 2015 at 2:14 PM
I was brought into the story you told so completely, wow. grats on your win and I see you were also potd very many grats your way :)
Haight Avatar
October 26, 2015 at 12:28 AM
Such a sad event, Carrie. But how emotionally you present it with your imagery and flowing words. Congratulations on your poem being selected Poem Of The day! Hugs, Sandra
Callus Avatar
October 25, 2015 at 4:04 PM
A most lovely poem in free verse, Carrie! How sad, but then that's what makes it the beauty that it is. A tragic loss...not retrievable. Congrats on POTD. // paul
Barchettadrive Avatar
October 25, 2015 at 10:59 AM
Your story was told so well with an awesome rhyme scheme Carrie! I Truly enjoyed this!!!A+ 7+
Barchettadrive Avatar
October 25, 2015 at 11:00 AM
p.s. Congrats on your poem of the day!
Roper Avatar
October 25, 2015 at 8:31 AM
Sad,but a wonderful tribute to the intended, you are such a great writer. Congratulations on your poem of the day! Hugs Eve
Allison Avatar
October 25, 2015 at 7:56 AM
Dropping back to say - many congrats on Poem of the day:-) hugs Jan xx
Sergi Avatar
October 25, 2015 at 7:13 AM
Hi Carrie: A sad tragedy but a great poetic tribute to a friend you knew.
Ryerson Avatar
October 25, 2015 at 1:37 AM
Oh my Carrie, SO sorry this is based on a true event...You have done this young man great honor by remembering him with this elegant and compelling verse...I predict a top spot in Casarah's contest - Tim
Lindley Avatar
October 23, 2015 at 7:13 PM
Tremendously sad to know that this fine poem you created is based upon a true and tragic event. A7
Fleming Avatar
October 23, 2015 at 1:31 PM
A very powerful piece of prose, Carrie; as real life tragedy so often, painfully, is! My best regards! :) john
Allison Avatar
October 23, 2015 at 12:28 PM
Oh Carrie this is a heartbreaking poem I can't begin to imagine the pain of that call when a tragedy like this has occurred - good luck in the contest:-)hugs jan xx
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