Questions

What did you take to the grave?
what snippets of truth

Did you hide in your cave?

When will I know what you thought?

Could I find the ruins

Of the battles you’ve fought?

So many things to be said

Could I, or someone,

Have rescued your head?

Into the tides my thoughts float

What would I say

If I could write you a note?

Goodbye, my brother, my friend

Your story

I’ll write in the end.

Author's Note

Painting = Grand Seascape, by Mark Jungmeyer

Reviews

[barleygirl]

I've known a large number of friends who lost a sibling to suicide. It's a big question mark that never goes away. So poignantly & powerfully you express that constant longing to understand, which plagues every survivor of suicide. I love that this is expressed lovingly, whereas sometimes people react with angry questioning. I love the artwork you use, which has the same smoothly-undulating quality that your writing has (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I don't know that we ever can stop someone from doing that which is inevitable...but we sure can live with the guilt afterward.
j.

[John the Baptist]

Has the sound of survivor guilt to it. I have known many who have experienced this phenomenon, which is usually needlessly self inflicted pain. What is truly in another's mind is inaccessible to others, even the closest kin. Learn from the situation and remember the departed with kindness. Nothing more need be done.

[Paul Bell]

A million questions, but no real answers, left in limbo.
I sometimes think even if the answer stared us in the face we still couldn't recognise it.
Maybe that's what keeps us going.

[SleeplessVolcano]

Thanks Paul - yes, questions do in fact keep us going.

[Chris Shaw]

The ocean is deep and so are the questions you are asking yourself in grief. However, the ocean can release her secrets, expose wrecked ships years after an event. I sincerely hope the answers to your questions surface, so you can find some peace. A thoughtful and reflective poem which is well crafted. The posted image is awesome. Good to see a post from you.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

Well said, Sleepless. So many questions one might ask the dead eh!? Those you mention probably among the most important ... i.e. the battles you lost in V2 .. hits me with a very real sober feeling .. one doesn't have to live long to experience loss. If this is confessional for you my friend .. and something recent .. whether close friend or blood relation .. i extend my condolences ... we never really walk the trail of grief alone .. even if support is unseen .. really nice to see you back ... right here at the Cafe' ... are you just visiting or going to make it a habit? the pic suites the poem well says i .. i see hope in it .. and one's insignificance in the scope of things .. be well .. love and joy
E.

[SleeplessVolcano]

Thank you. Yes, it is recent. My brother. A cliff like that is where he spent his last moments alive.

[Einstein Noodle]

:(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( God bless you with peace and assurance dear friend