GUILT

terror, despair

GUILT

 

He rests on a large square rock

as he mourns into his book

often the pages soak with cry

ruptures of nightmares

he longs to be here in his despair

 

He elevates his head

to gaze at ducks swimming in a serene lake

beside the rock which he labels his own

he speaks to them in their wording

ripples on the water

a moment of console

he breathes deep

a quip of a smile

 

He assays to recall the faces of his family

dad with black beard, speckles of gray

tanned skin, gray eyes like worried clouds

straight nose and thin lips

mom with brilliant red hair, quite fair skin, blue eyes like diamonds, short nose, perfect teeth, and a little pointy chin

Sara the picture of mom, but sassy as ever

 

A flash of terror

he escapes unharmed

they perish

straight off he is an orphan

bearing the burden of guilt

 

Author's Note

This is pure fiction...

Reviews

[Soren]

Sad and dark feelings are inspired by this writing. Tragedy at times brings on feelings of guilt as survivors reflect on the event and ask themselves if they could have done something that would have changed it.

[Betty Hermelee]

Yes and it lasts....thank you dear Will....
Best, B

[The_Ancient_Rock]

Yeah... you know...

Sometimes fiction or even fantasy...

Just have a weird way... of blending into reality.

Loved the poem! Sad...

But great poetry indeed!

Blessed be!

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you, much appreciated!
Best, B

[The_Ancient_Rock]

You are most welcome Betty!

;)

Blessings!

[Ladysue]

A sad tragic poem, Betty. Left with the feeling of guilt (survivors guilt)and grief. Sitting by a stone he labeled his own orphaned and reliving the flash of terror. It’s heartbreaking. This was superb writing Betty. It moved me.

[Betty Hermelee]

So happy you liked it; a great review L.S.
Best, B

[Ladysue]

My pleasure Betty. :)

[FGFRANKLIN]

I think you did well in the presentation. It's flash fiction in poetry form echoing the ache of depression, maybe PTSD. I enjoyed the read.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for a thoughtful review.
Best, B

[Crowley]

This makes one of the ultimate points that a piece of writing can make. Fairness is quite illusory. I know its fiction, but written in a way that seems like you have been there. My heart aches for theses situations. Great writing Betty.

[Betty Hermelee]

Wow! A thoughtful review and thanks for stopping by.
Best, B.

[Sami Khalil]

beside the rock which he labels his own

he speaks to them in their wording

"ripples on the water

a moment of console

he breathes deep

a quip of a smile"

[Sami Khalil]

Your diction is darkly fiction. No dereliction in your poetic duty.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Sam for a thoughtful review!
Best, B.

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome Queen B.

[Coyote Poetry]

A sad tale written dear Betty. When we get older. The people we loved, who took care of us leave us. We do become orphans. Thank you dear friend for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you John for expressing your words, much appreciated.
Best, B.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Betty.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Such a poignant, evocative piece, Betty, even though it is fiction. Your third verse is most powerful, the way in which you describe each family member, each detailed so perfectly. How strange, that we both posted a fictional piece about death on the same day!

[Betty Hermelee]

What a coincidence! Thank you so much Kelly for your thoughtful review, much appreciated!
Best, B

[willweb]

Guilt is a word that is often tied to the word why, though why is usually spoken within. What is the reason becomes the thought as they try to reason with what has happened. The memories seem to forever be kinked to the darkness and the darkness has now become a constant companion. Really dark and sad my friend but wonderfully expressed and penned

[Betty Hermelee]

Another thoughtful review my friend; I guess I'm in my dark mode.... but only in fiction, not real life!
Best, B

[willweb]

That's good news. : )