What a Difference

What a difference a divorce makes:
     Constant hubbub's given way to eerie silence,
     Peels of laughter to a fluorescent light's buzz;
     Ringing phones to muffled cries in my brains,
     'Pacman streaming' to rusted mufflers screaming
       On the highway outside by the drain.

   What a difference a divorce makes:
     Sunshine's moved out; clouds've moved in:
     Lemonade and cookies replaced by memories
       Drowned in tonic and gin. 
     No happy dogs at play; just stray dogs growling;
     The company of neighbors now's a grey wolf howling.

   What a difference a divorce makes:
     "Can you help with my homework, Dad?"
      To "Bartender, I need a drink bad," transformed.
     "Dad, take us to the park, pretty please."
      Now forlorn: "It's closing time, friend. It's best you leave...
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Hay Avatar
March 16, 2018 at 11:40 AM
I really felt the sorrowful comparisons you have made Gershon, excellent write, well done! Warm regards, Laura.
Wolf Avatar
March 16, 2018 at 1:00 PM
Thank you, Laura Hay! Appreciate your kind words and encouragement. I hope that you didn't have to experience those comparisons to feel them, but if so, "Experience is the best teacher,'' they say. Warm March wishes, Gershon
Gauthier Avatar
March 2, 2018 at 8:55 PM
Back with most deserved congrats, Gershon. Superbly done.
Wolf Avatar
March 3, 2018 at 9:43 PM
Thanks, Line...Wish the material for this poem hadn't been acquired "the hard way." I'm glad it's water over the dam now. Best wishes, Gershon
Smith Avatar
February 28, 2018 at 11:13 AM
What a difference for sure, congratulations Gershon...
Wolf Avatar
February 28, 2018 at 12:46 PM
Thank you, Charlie!
Pigeon Tart Avatar
February 28, 2018 at 9:10 AM
This piece replete with a punch in the gut I could feel. Sharp pen my friend. Congratulations on your win! xomo
Pigeon Tart Avatar
February 28, 2018 at 11:00 AM
Mo booster! So sweet of you to say Gershon :) Thank you! Yeah, the sight of trophy sure surprised me! Polishing my virtual mantle, I won't let it get to my head ;)
Wolf Avatar
February 28, 2018 at 10:26 AM
Thank you, Maureen...Seems to me I just saw your name next to a first-place trophy (in this contest, was it?) late last night. So congrats to you too! And know that your incisive comments are like booster shots for me. Much appreciated. :) Gershon
Roper Avatar
February 27, 2018 at 8:56 PM
Congratulations on your win, Gershon!
Wolf Avatar
February 28, 2018 at 10:27 AM
Thank you, Eve. And thank you for checking this poem out. Best wishes, Gershon
Raynes Avatar
February 27, 2018 at 8:50 PM
Congratulations Gershon, this hit home for me, i'm on my 5th long term relationship now, and each one before now seems to have ended like this write. Great write
Wolf Avatar
February 28, 2018 at 10:29 AM
Thank you, thank you, my friend...Speaking of relationships: There's an old dictum that states simply - "According to the effort is the reward." (I've seen it in three different languages other than English). Know that your reward will be very, very great. It's coming! --Keep the faith, my friend! Best wishes, Gershon
Canerdy Avatar
February 27, 2018 at 8:01 PM
Superb use of examples to define, Gershon. Congrats!! Janice
Wolf Avatar
February 27, 2018 at 8:16 PM
Thank you, Janice! Fortunately or unfortunately, the example are drawn mostly from the 'hard knocks school of life.' In the long run, that's the education that's priceless...Thanks for reading the poem, and Happy Spring (coming soon!) to you, :) Gershon
Gauthier Avatar
February 27, 2018 at 9:41 AM
Wow - what powerful imagery. The in-between lulls of having our life together seem like they will last forever. This poem packs a punch, Gershon.
Wolf Avatar
February 27, 2018 at 11:12 AM
Great! That's exactly what I intended. Your feedback is invaluable. Keep those comments coming, Line! :) Gershon
Roper Avatar
February 26, 2018 at 7:52 PM
Magnificent write, Gershon,, Loneliness can be hard to bare sometimes.
Wolf Avatar
February 26, 2018 at 9:19 PM
Thank you, Eve. You know, you're write. This was a hard won to right for me...Seriously, it was. It took me back to an awful time in my life). Here's to cheerful futures for you, me, and everyone in Poetry Soup! :) gw
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