Questions for the Dead
_______________
Does Jasmine fear the sound
of thunder from the grave?
Does she care that a wild rabbit
is living under the porch
and nobody’s here to bark?
_______________
Is my brother Dan who died
too sick for the liver transplant list
still mad at our brother
who lies to our mother
and she believes every word?
_______________
Does my grandmother still hurt
because my mother chose her father
to live with as a child
after the divorce
_______________
Is my brother Jim having the last laugh
because I never liked pictures without people
and now I photograph barns and birds
and red chairs on the beach at sunset?
________________________
Does my father mind that I stole his line
when asked how I’m doing?
I got out of bed this morning
I’m ahead of the game
June 13th, 2011 3:40 pm
all careful ponderings. I suggest the answer to each is NO. and I further suggest that the questions are ethereal and w/out answer but I’m happy you’ve asked.
your father’s line, and now yours, is a keeper.
June 13th, 2011 7:27 pm
I think your father would be happy that you use his line (and maybe that it brings him closer to your thoughts when you say it) that is pretty sweet. (and it is a great line!)
June 13th, 2011 7:28 pm
This is a WONDERFUL Poem, Colleen….It is so personal and profound, too….! You are a true “artist”.
June 14th, 2011 6:54 am
Does my Buddy think of me as mush I think of him? I miss him!
June 14th, 2011 8:13 am
I was with a woman yesterday who was dying and she asked me what it would be like?……..I stated, I heard it was beautiful and you are free, no worries ( How would I know??? I thought, but I tried to ease her mind)…….she looked out the window and said, I feel like I am out side now!!
PS I think are loved ones are helping us make peace on earth.
PSS This poem is soooo touching!! I feel it too!
June 14th, 2011 11:21 am
This reminds me of how hard I try to cut the tethers that bind me to the memories of the loved ones that I have lost. It is a harsh thing to have to admit to, but almost every moment of my day is a struggle to be more present in the moment, while at the same time trying to ignore the existence of what feels like an infinity of emptiness where once there was someone I loved. Loss is a difficult thing to live with. I have yet to find a sense of humor, or at the very least, a sense of redemption or some kind of peace, about it. But I keep hoping that it is possible. I hope that I am the only person in the world who deals with it so poorly.
June 14th, 2011 3:49 pm
Lovely, thank you.
June 14th, 2011 7:59 pm
Just simply….BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!
June 20th, 2011 1:29 pm
Excellent. I enjoyed that one.