I Hope He Heard Me

the last time i saw him(for Gene)

i stood at his bedside…

afraid

Hope stayed just outside the door

alongside Death,

who had come to collect its prize

Fate rested with him

but was quickly fleeting

the air was hot and stale…

you could taste Life leaving the room

Time drastically slowed itself

seconds became hours

mere minutes… days

my eyes wanted to leave him

but my heart wouldn’t let them

i searched my spirit for courage

and found none

the room began to spin

while he remained still...

the center of a moment

that was killing the two of us

eagerly, Death crept closer toward him

standing just behind me

heralding its impending crowning moment

the trumpets of demise blared loudly

he, my hero… my Brother

was quiet… so… so… quiet

and i stood there--- staring

with fear filled eyes

that left no place for tears

Time began to speed up

Life was resigning its thrown

Fate promptly stood in front of me

urging that 2^nd chances were things of yesterday…

for today, belonged only to Death

Hope hastily made its way to me

bringing the courage I couldn’t find

it’s there… in that space

where Life gives way to Death

that I spoke to him…

(final indebted words of a little brother)

i just hope he heard me

Author's Note

Thank you for reading.

Reviews

[Solilokiss]

I'm sure he heard you then as he does now. Thank you for sharing the moment with us. It must have been hard. Written so skillfully, sung straight from your heart.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

It indeed was difficult, thank you for such kind words.

[Tom]

A powerfully, poignant, profound poem, you make the reader feel they are there with you in that room, along side your fading younger brother and aware of the other three personified, protagonists that feature prominently, life, death and hope !

A skillful and deeply touching write, kudos to you Sir for having such pathos within your pen !

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, Tom. Your thoughts are nothing but humbling. I appreciate you leaving me with such sincere thoughts on this piece.

[TrimarcoRansome]

Well! what a heartfelt write, I felt as if I were with you standing in that room, waiting for the imminent arrival of death, your words and writes have come on leaps and bounds since you first started here, well done! A superb write! Top marks!

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you so very much. This was a difficult write for me. I owe my growth to the great and encouraging talents that I have met here, you sit among them... Thank you.

[icelandicblue]

I know he heard you poetic justice. He heard you and he showed you the path away from him. Your life is proof that love can be carried forever in anothers heart. My tears are for you, your brother and for your family. I felt this one and mere words cannot erase the sharp pain that will always reside in your soul. You are strong and you have grown into a man of courage. Your brother would be proud. The poem is beautifully sad, he was your fallen hero and in those moments you knew the true meaning of helplessness but you have not let that deter you from living a life filled with love.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, your endearing words are beyond appreciated. You are very much correct about him guiding me to a better path then his own. His struggles with his demons forced me to find a different outlet for my own. In his own way, he saved me.

[Frieda P]

Heavy sigh. It's been a while Travis, at the moment you own my tears. Heart wrenching read, I literally felt the pain. Have a great New Year my sweet friend. x

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

It has been a while much too long, Frieda. You were missed, and I'm glad to be hearing from you. Thank you for those tender words. I hope the New Year treats you well.

[Frieda P]

Glad to be here, taking it one day at a time, you know how that goes, always a pleasure my friend, hope you are well.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Yes, I do... I do exactly the same this time of year. I've been well enough not to complain much. I wish you well also.

[Vidya Bacchus]

This is so much from the heart.We all hope that when the time comes our loved ones know exactly how we felt about them.Nicely penned my friend:)

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you so much for a lovely review. That experience has taught me the importance of letting our loved ones know how we feel while they can still appreciate it.

[Vidya Bacchus]

I understand and I am sure he knew they always know,you are welcome my friend:)

[Cool Handless Luke]

you could taste Life leaving the room... a poignant heartfelt piece of writing. looking down i see that serenus said the same things...so you must be getting the sentiments out there in such a powerful imagery. the ending verse touches my heart particularly...i have been in that spot before. beautiful work p.h. being real and honest and open even to the point that it may make you vulnerable - that's real poetry right there!

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thanks, i appeciate that... writing is my outlet, like it is for most of us. It's good to know my work is being felt. Your review humbles my pen hand.

[Sirius King]

you could taste Life leaving the room

...you made the reader feel like we were in the room next to u
feeling what u felt

a heartfelt write

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thanks bro, I'm glad i was able to achieve that. I appreciate the great review.

[LaVonneTheLovely]

Heart-wrenching!

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

It took two years to finish... a poet from this site actually wrote a piece that help me find the endurance to finish it. His name is, Sami Kahlil... the piece is called "Hero University". You should give it a read sometime.

[LaVonneTheLovely]

I certainly will! And a good thing he helped you find that endurance because It's a beautiful piece I am glad to have read.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, I can't be more humbled. My pen hand was afraid of this piece for sure, i guess it felt to much like closure.

[LaVonneTheLovely]

Closure can be terrifying sometimes. I've yet to lose someone so close to me, I am sorry for your loss.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, i appreciate that.

[LaVonneTheLovely]

You're very welcome.