Home » Poems » John Gondolf » Upon the Death of a Friend

Upon the Death of a Friend

Our time on earth is but a fleeting tick, a single moment in eternity; then flame extinguishes on candlestick, and thus puts end to life’s fraternity. And you my friend, you left us far too soon; our time together just was way too brief; as I remain behind in life’s cocoon, just sitting here and wallowing in grief. I sadly ponder death and question why, why some are just passed by while others go. I scarcely had the time to say goodbye; your time was now, and I will miss you so. But memories of you will still remain until we meet in heaven once again. May 3, 2018

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 11/2/2018 12:14:00 PM

Just recently lost a friend since childhood, John. Can relate to that "cocoon" feeling you describe so aptly. It is the promise of reunion, as noted in your final couplet, that offers some peace. Beautifully written as always, John. Hugs, Carolyn

John Gondolf
Date: 11/2/2018 12:33:00 PM

Thank you, Carolyn, I appreciate it. I have sent you Soup Mail. John

Faraz Ajmal

Date: 5/7/2018 4:43:00 AM

Your words bleeds your pain, the death of a loved one always hurts and we wonder why but that swhat life is, every single soul haveto swallow the bitter taste of death, and our life on this earth is temporarily, from Him we come and to Him we return, we shall all reunite in heaven, good luck in the contest and havea lovely day

John Gondolf
Date: 5/7/2018 7:36:00 AM

Faraz, thanks so much for your comments, I appreciate it. John

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 5/4/2018 3:12:00 PM

A sonnet that speaks volumes of the attachment of mortals. We are only on this earth for a short while, a well written sonnet John, gl in the contest

John Gondolf
Date: 5/5/2018 11:47:00 AM

Thank you for your comments, Pixie, time is fleeting and we must cherish our friendships while we can. John

Caycay Jennings

Date: 5/4/2018 9:00:00 AM

So lovely, John - and who cannot relate to the feel, all of us having these same thoughts and sentiments at one time or another? Beautifully done. 2nd line, 2nd stanza, did you by chance transpose 'just' and 'was'? You delivered for this contest full-on. All the best ... CayCay

John Gondolf
Date: 5/5/2018 11:43:00 AM

Thank you for your comments, CayCay, I appreciate you and your support. To answer your question, that’s the way I wrote it though I did waffle back and forth on which word I wanted first; maybe you are right and it should be the other way. John

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 5/3/2018 11:57:00 PM

That is wonderful, Tom. I think you are someone who has very close friendship bonds. I have a sonnet from long ago that uses that one line of yours almost exactly the same: I scarcely had the time to say goodbye.

John Gondolf
Date: 5/4/2018 4:20:00 AM

Thank you for your wonderful comments, Andrea, I appreciate it. John

Laura Leiser

Date: 5/3/2018 9:50:00 PM

Such a such and heartfelt sonnet, John. I can relate as we lost a dear friend in the prime of his life quite suddenly a few years ago. Good luck in the contest!

John Gondolf
Date: 5/4/2018 4:18:00 AM

Thank you, Laura, I appreciate your comments. John

Susan Gentry

Date: 5/3/2018 2:09:00 PM

A beautiful tribute to your friend, pain of grief is palpable. What an honor to have a friend like you to celebrate his life and memories. Yes those type of emotions rock is. Good luck in contest.

John Gondolf
Date: 5/4/2018 4:07:00 AM

Thank you for your wonderful comments, Susan, I appreciate it. John

Alexis Y.

Date: 5/3/2018 1:36:00 PM

Hi John, I am so sorry for the lost of your friend. You expressed very well how one feels when they lose a good. I wish you the best of luck in the contest - Alexis

John Gondolf
Date: 5/4/2018 3:57:00 AM

Thank you, Alexis, I appreciate your comments . John

Tom Cunningham

Date: 5/3/2018 6:57:00 AM

I'm sorry for the loss of your friend John. You have put that emotional feeling so well into your sonnet.The saying that it is worse for those left behind is true. But you will have fond memories and they stay in your heart forever. Good luck in the contest. Tom.

John Gondolf
Date: 5/4/2018 3:54:00 AM

Thanks, Tom, I appreciate your comments. John