"Living The Tontine..."

A new year...

“Living The Tontine…”

 

Memories so often test our realities -

with noon "midnights",

and midnight "sunrises".

 

The yearly "missing friends" toasts

don't get longer but the memories...

the memories take more consciousness

and the "stare" -

the thousand-yard stare

draws me to the abyss

and silently holds me captive

as all the hands beckon, reach, and wave -

until it’s my turn to join them.

 

Chris

Author's Note

Feel free

Reviews

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

the themes here are complex and layered, suggesting thoughts without pusing them; exploring, observing, without judgement.
The yearly "missing friends" toasts
don't get longer but the memories...
these lines really stuck with me, especially as the end of the year approaches and the time for reflection is high.
the thousand-yard stare
draws me to the abyss
... some people see things that others miss. im told i have those eyes. sometimes i see a scene i like and i lose myself in it. i think about how it would make a good photograph. i think about how what im seeing is giving me inner peace. but, i wonder, what do you see when you gaze out?

[Chris]

I see could-haves, would-haves, and should-haves... but never-weres...

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

that's a sad piece of scenery

[apennylate]

The trick to passing by unfortunate souls who are determined to stain your own path with their colorful mark...
The thousand yard stare.
We have seen it all, violence does not matter, silence is the end solution to a long line of unfulfilled resolutions...
What we are and what we wanted to be, so often caught between sleep and the fear of dreams.
Maybe I will slink to the middle of the line and hope for another go round before I join anything...
Excellently penned.

[Chris]

This is a thought-full comment and is appreciated. Thank you.

[apennylate]

Absolutely, cheers

[bianca]

I have missed your writing and I am very happy to read it again. You really inspire people with ur emotions and words :)))

[Chris]

It's been a long time...welcome back.

[Tumi]

memories remains deeply
a great poem to write

[Philip Gaber]

Concise, precise and lovely...like the juxtaposing imagery...

[Chris]

Your visit is appreciated... take care.

[mou]

Isolation and memories are the best and worst pals. At first, I started to read your poem in a new year night, but slowly it drifts into a more serious and poignant alley.
"...with noon "midnights",
and midnight "sunrises"..."
Only you can do this!
-mou

[Chris]

We really aren't alone - until we are.

[poetgurl]

This is quite an emotional read, expressed your feelings well

[Chris]

Thank you.

[Betty Hermelee]

I think when your friends start dying... and you stop getting phone calls and emails.... you realize that you are pretty much headed in that direction...I feel that way now,,, that the stare becomes longer and the abyss could take me anytime....very important concept for me....
Warmly, B

[Chris]

So few remember - that it CAN be anytime at all...

[Betty Hermelee]

Yes….you're welcome Chris
Warmly, B

[Coyote Poetry]

Me too my friend. Yes Chris. I have become the oldest in the family. Old friends, my mentors voices and laughter are missed. Powerful and worthwhile thoughts shared.
Coyote

[Chris]

The hardest part is 7 places empty at the 8 place dining room table.

[Coyote Poetry]

I remember my grandparent house. The big dinners. Family re-unions.

[Thomas W Case]

Wow. Tremendous work. You paint this picture well and evoke the melancholy. Superb.

[Chris]

Semper Fi...