He lay broken at the foot of his empty bed.
A place his wife,
once laid her head.
She cries in oceans where he used to play.
The son she lost,
haunts even her –
brightest days.
They know what I know.
A creaking vessel of pain.
They see what I see.
A wandering hurt with no name.
Our memories are congested,
with betrayal and death.
We grab hold to the handrails,
that have been left.
They know what I know.
And by the look in your eyes,
and pain residue,
this un-welcomed knowledge,
also sleeps in you.
@Reilley says
Very nice, Jess. We all carry pain in our own way.
Jessica says
Yes we do, thank you for reading. π
brian says
ugh..the child dying sent me spinning…trying to find those hand rails…heavy with emotion…nice…
Jessica says
Thank you Brian!
Peter says
A moving piece of writing Jessica…glad I stopped by. // Peter.
Jessica says
I am glad you stopped by too, thank you. π
lori says
I was immediately drawn in to the suffering and pain. The picture is amazing, too. This was evocative.
Jessica says
Thanks Lori! I love the picture too, it fit well. π
jenne andrews says
tender, elegant poem, Jessica…x j
Jessica says
Thank you Jenne. xo
James Rainsford says
An intensely powerful and moving poem. This struck many chords with me. It possesses an economy of language and an impressive authenticity.
Well crafted. James.
Jessica says
Thank you James, I appreciate your lovely compliments. π xo
Kim says
you conjured memories of moments when another’s grief or sadness was utterly palpable
Jessica says
Thank you Kim. π
Jannie Funster says
Your words, and that painting are amazing!!
Such sadness, him on the bed. I can see him, his lonely posture.
Jessica says
Thank you so much Jannie! xo
bkmackenzie says
Grabbing the handrails of life that we have been left…that is what has to happen to keep going when life happens to us…nice one shot Jess..bkm
Jessica says
Thank you bkm… you are so right. π xo
Vinay says
emotional, tender, elegant.. a lot of emotions that flowed through this poem..
My Post Is Here
Jessica says
Thank you Vinay. π
Sheila Moore says
I like how you gave a few examples and then left it open-ended to include pain from any source…
Jessica says
Thank you beautiful. π
haiku love songs says
much shows in everyone’s eyes if we take the time to really look. a sensitive, poignant poem.
Jessica says
Thank you so much for stopping by. I am happy you enjoyed it.