Strange that the arrival
of tragic news
leaves so many things
untouched:
The houseplants do not wilt
the salt shakers do not collapse in grief
the book, left splayed on the chair,
does not burn.
The unpaid bills
do not fling themselves from their perch
nor the phone hang itself
in sympathy.
That list of errands,
once so urgent, continues
to shout from its magnet
upon the fridge.
But all you can hear
is the disbelieving thrum
of blood
in your ears.
I absolutely, positively love this poem. So, so much.
Posted by: Michelle | January 29, 2009 at 09:18 PM
How true. I remember those times quite well. I just finished reading a book called The Tender Bar by J.R. Moehringer and kept thinking of you as I read it. After seeing yesterday's post with the list of books, I thought I would share that with you. I think you would like the book should you choose to read it. Thanks for sharing yourself with us.
Posted by: Camille | January 30, 2009 at 09:43 AM
This is a great poem. Thank you for sharing it.
Sending good thoughts your way.
Posted by: Jess | January 30, 2009 at 02:14 PM
So true!
Posted by: Elena | January 30, 2009 at 02:57 PM
This poem is so beautiful and clear. Thankyou
Posted by: Donna | January 30, 2009 at 03:04 PM
Hey - I've gone thru a similar situation. And yes, it feels like it sucks the life right out of you.
I'm so sorry. There is never anything to prepare a person for this... there is no "Aging Parents 101: Gird your Loins" class anywhere.
You are doing a great job. You are a really good son to your mom.
Posted by: Shannon | January 30, 2009 at 04:10 PM
you couldn't know it, but this perfectly speaks for the last two weeks for me as well. thank you.
Posted by: beth | January 30, 2009 at 06:43 PM
absolutely lovely. thank you.
Posted by: mamadaisy | January 30, 2009 at 08:46 PM
Beautiful.
Reminds me of 'stop all the clocks'
Posted by: Meg | January 30, 2009 at 10:53 PM
You are so talented. It brings to mind "Hurt" and "Funeral Blues."
Posted by: Melissa in TN | January 31, 2009 at 12:35 AM
i've been in this place. you portrayed it exactly. thanks.
Posted by: Sharon | January 31, 2009 at 07:54 AM
Well done. "nor the phone hang itself/in sympathy" is a great image, and "disbelieving thrum" really works for me as well.
Posted by: R | January 31, 2009 at 12:41 PM
What a beautiful poem.
Posted by: Dena | January 31, 2009 at 03:48 PM
I was reminded of one day in particular when I read your poem. It was the day I found out that my son had cancer. The amazing thing is that somehow you do start breathing again and the sun shines on a new day
Posted by: Susan/Together We Flourish | February 01, 2009 at 08:44 AM
Beautiful.
Posted by: Sarah | February 01, 2009 at 02:09 PM
Wow. Just wow.
Posted by: Hilary | February 03, 2009 at 01:23 PM
I love this poem. I understand it, and someday I know I will need to find it and read it, not for enjoyment, but for solace.
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