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

[Lorry]

This sounds like it should be called night terrors, but most likely could and does happen to so many no matter day or night.
Guilt of making it, but fear of being alone in a world turned on its head for being so alone now. Stuck in his own hell and thinking of nothing else but "why them? Why not me too?"
You caught the emotions of such a hellish scenario so well and despite its fiction label, the audience feels his pain.

[Betty Hermelee]

WOW! a great review Lorry, much appreciated!
Best, B

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and pure guilt of the survivor when those loved ones closest perish...and he or she survives.
Definitely now an orphan...and how does one overcome this feeling...can't be easy.
j.

[Betty Hermelee]

My mind must be twisted to dream this up!
Thanks J. for a thoughtful review!
Best, B

[emmajoygreen]

Such happenings holds so much guilt, its burns into the spirit, leaves a being such as the person you write about, caged in a state of utter irreparable pain. Betty, You have written with immense empathy, not melodramatically but with extraordinary tenderness - however the darkness and size of your font.

Superb writing.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank dear Emma for a wonderful review; I know, I'll tone down the font!
Best to you, B

[emmajoygreen]

No.. i meant that somehow the darkness and font size added intensity ro your words, Forgive, I must have worded badly. Mea culpa, etcetera,

[Betty Hermelee]

Oh, I see, but you know Emma critique is always appreciated....
Hugs, B

[emmajoygreen]

You're a born diplomat, Betty :)

[emmajoygreen]

You're a born diplomat, Betty :)

[John the Baptist]

Survivor guilt is a well known phenomenon. Sometimes those who have escaped disasters ask themselves why they lived while others didn't. Therapy can help.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank john for you review; yes much therapy....
Best, B