Jocund

Another weak attempt at poetry while still doing something I know how to do: blending misleading fiction with transcending truth

 

Jo•cund jä-kənd adj : marked by mirth or cheerfulness

 

 

Have you ever gotten a word stuck in your head

Like a song on the radio?

 

I heard the funeral was beautiful

No body to look on

Or contrast with his last happy, smiling picture

 

I get home from work

My skin and temper steamed

Like the milk in your two hundred degree latte

 

I’m tired

Shut off that stupid “Most Haunted Places On Earth”

Because the ghost stories aren’t true

 

In the sanctuary

Alone with my books

The word assaults me

 

You’re an English major

How do you not know the word

Jocund?

 

Dumbass

How’s that for high school education

Private, Catholic school no less

 

Sharp beginning

Sharp end

Juxtaposed with a happy meaning

 

Ok, so it means something happy

Something to do with happy

Happy, happy

 

Ok, God, just what are you trying to prove?

Why should I care about this word?

I remember this word has been assaulting me

 

A few months ago

 

And now it’s back

To haunt me

But why?

 

You were the living word, “jocund”

And though we can’t actually see you

Just tug on my hair very gently

 

 

Author's Note

For whatever it's worth, rest in peace, Jamie.

Reviews

[Monday Parker]

I like this poem...But its kinda of messing with my head. I am not sure what i feel after reading this, but i do know it was a great read. You left me kind of lost in my thoughts. Which i guess has to be good, got me thinking. Great job!!!

[Drew Wade]

I would have to say this poem is great. It's completely different from the first you had me read, in subject matter and form.. Really really deep... and scary too.. Seriously, are you making fun of someone who's dead? jimminy. It's good, and thoughtful, which your stuff tends to be.