Joyce Johnson Poet Villanelle

Watching and Waiting

Watching as a loved sibling slips away,
I bring up happy memories we own.
I wonder why I am the one to stay.

Resentful of the passing of each day,
at times connected only by the phone,
watching as a loved sibling slips away.

I notice his black hair has turned to gray,
as he says he is chilled unto the bone.
I wonder why I am the one to stay.

To save him there’s no price I wouldn’t pay.
His going leaves me that more all alone,
watching as a loved sibling slips away.

In trying my deep grief not to display
I keep my features immobile as stone.
I wonder why I am the one to stay.

Falling at last upon my knees to pray
I ask He hear me from His mighty throne.
Watching as a loved sibling slips away,
I wonder why I am the one to stay.

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Carrie Richards May 21, 2011 at 5:23 PM This heartfelt poem, makes me so sad....I have only one big brother, and such a thought is painful to think of. Very compelling write, Joyce.

Cory Long May 17, 2011 at 5:50 PM This is so amazingly written! I know how you feel.. It hurts deep, and no one could ever understand. Glad to see you back around, now it is time to give voice to your thoughts and feelings. I wish you all the strength in your coming journey, hope you are doing ok love cory

James Foulk May 17, 2011 at 4:47 PM i think everyone asks that same question, i have said it many times, i wished i could have died instead of them. this was a very sad and touching piece and i feel for you, my heart goes out to you and your family.

Soulfire May 17, 2011 at 4:12 PM Beautiful and heart wrenching poem, Joyce. ~Soulfire~

Carolyn Devonshire May 17, 2011 at 3:58 PM Dear Joyce, I know this comes straight from your heart. Last week was a hard one for you, but it may be even harder now that you are home. Phone calls don't have the same intimacy as visits. God bless you, dear. My prayers for your brother continue. Mom died young and at her funeral my grandma asked why she had been left behind. There's no way to explain God's plan. This is a terrific entry for Catie's contest. Love and blessings, Carolyn