Breakdown

Breakdown

photography by / Stefan Beutler

 

 

Every morning

cold cereal and orange juice

        for breakfast…

don’t forget  to water the African violet on the sill

in the kitchen window .

 

Feed the cats, walk the dog.

Separate the colors before washing clothes.

Take something from the freezer

           that’ll thaw  in time for dinner.

…such ordinary things to remember.

 

  Dance recital dates are on the calendar.

The girls wear a pink ribbon in their hair.

 The bake sales at church will start in the spring.

Let Father Walsh know he can count on you…

 cake or cookies is fine

…dress the boys in their Sunday best.

 

Be patient, be strong.

Remember that God helps those who help themselves.

Take one day at a time,

one foot in front of the other.

…just like yesterday and the day before.

 

Fall to your knees

when you’re all out of prayer…

…when you’re all out of prayer

    breakdown.

 

                            

Author's Note

This was written to capture the aftermath of a man dealing with the struggles of everyday life after losing his wife. What you are reading is what he hears in his head, it’s his wife’s voice reminding him of what to do and what’s to come. The lines in italics speak his response.

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

We tend to think of only high stress situations as causing breakdowns, but the daily grind, adhered to month after month, year after year, can build up the stress of understimulation, which can also precipitate breakdowns. Stress has many faces.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Indeed it does. Anxiety, or what is better known as "panic attacks", happen everyday. Thank you John, for your perspective!

[Ken e Bujold]

this is a very moving poem Kelly. even before reading your note, the weight of day to day struggle to get on with the existence of living was an achingly poignant read. Thanks for the splendid slice of life friend

ken

[Kelly Scheppers]

I wanted to write something evocative showing the day to day struggle of such a slice of life. I am thrilled beyond measure you enjoyed it. Thank you, Ken!

[willweb]

I love the poem and the structure of the poem. It is beautifully written and beautiful to look at and after reading this my first thought was, God I miss her. Though I haven't experienced this it could happen and how I would react is anyone's guess though knowing me, the breakdowns would probably come every day for quite a while The thought has brought tears to my eyes, your poem has brought tears to my eyes. My heart hurts right now.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you so much, Will. I couldn't have received a more touching review than this! Bless you!

[Ken Simm.]

The romance of the every day. Followed by the memories that we must have lost somewhere, If only we could remember where. A loss that we wish ... A real tour de Force this one.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Men respond to loss a lot different then women. I was left in a house to live with my stepfather and two adult brothers after my mother died. Needless to say, I learned a lot. Thank you, Ken.

[W. Barrett Munn]

Welcome, poet, to the space reserved for the Bishops, Moores, and Glucks. A wonderfully crafted march tward a disjunctive ending slap in the face.
Mahvelous, dawling.

Winston

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, my friend.

[Lorry]

I usually get to the breakdown part long before I understand what separating colours meant. And I've just bought an orange t shirt and am freaking out whether I need to buy a washing machines worth of orange or just put it in with my last mistake, a neon green t shirt I thought would be handy as a beacon in case mountain rescue couldn't find me at the bottom of the mountain if I fell.
I only mention this because women think we're stupid, but not as stupid as we are. We need instructions for everything, which I proved when I complained about my new shower not saying anything about taking clothes off first.
It is no laughing matter though, when you realise the devastation behind the numb automaton you see before you, trying to hold it together for the kids while mourning inwardly with every excruciating breath.
We are truly a hopeless species, but it only becomes apparent when you realise how much she done and wonder if you take two sugars in your coffee or not.
I've often wondered why women are so good at reading like men, and then I remember, it is because they are not men.
I just recently got a new washing machine and was ready to call the electrician, before realising that it had an on button that wasn't just hitting the off button twice. Two buttons for off and on... Who can live at this speed? 😊

[Kelly Scheppers]

As a rule of thumb, I think men believe they can was everything all together in one load. Your underwear may be pink, but hey, it's one and done! Thank you so much for the gentle humor that provided me with a warm smile, Lorry!

[Lorry]

It used to be, but then I bought all grey boxers and now they are grink coloured! 😊

[red93]

Fabulous Kelly. Bereavement is an awful thing - Divorce is bad enough as it is. You really capture the essential Truths of this heartbreaking situation ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, Tony. Your words always warm my heart with kindness.