�How Are You?�

Seems like he’s coping
He appears stronger than before
But we could never estimate the power of the blow
We never saw the shock and grief underneath
Not until he had the chance to get out onto the town for escape from the house
He got into a terrible state-
Apple sized Gin and Tonic tears fall all over the dancefloor
Manically singing, “Heaven knows I’m missing him now!”

He looked like he got over his heavy heart
Looks like he was prepared to be himself again
But we never saw what happened behind closed doors
Talking to himself- thinking that this was someone else
Always trying to answer the questions put to him by his mind and heart
He doesn’t have the reply which makes him feel worse and further confusion
Wasn’t until the bottle was emptied that we realised just how much he was inconsolable
“Feels like a limb has been removed and I miss him everyday”

Early Saturday mornings spent clutching his trinkets
Suddenly an old childhood backscratcher means the world to him
“He wasn’t supposed to go this year”
“I’ll never hear his voice in the background on the phone when I next call”
“I’ll never read his handwriting in my future birthday cards- just how can I celebrate without that?”
“What’s the point in a party when I’ve no one to dance stupid with?”
“I know he’s not in pain anymore, but 34 years is not enough- I want more!”

Seems like he’s doing well
He smiled whenever anyone asked, “How are you?”
But he could never explain the hurt, the worst kind of hurt
Something is irreversible, something demands change
Will this finish him or make him a better man?
So please don’t ask him how he is doing
Because he doesn’t know how to answer you.

 

Reviews

[J.Black]

"But he could never explain the hurt, the worst kind of hurt
Something is irreversible, something demands change
Will this finish him or make him a better man?
So please don't ask him how he is doing
Because he doesn't know how to answer you." -- Steven Pottle

You write with such sympathy, it's beautiful. I loved the sadness to this piece.

[deeps]

You have talent!
I like writers that can grasp a hold of emotion and write like this.
It's real, truthful and honest. Such a real to life write.
Wonderful write.

[Rick Puetter]

Dear Steven,

This is another bittersweet masterpiece. You write from this perspective so very well. The poem is agonizing in describing the seeming betrayal by life when someone's suffering and loss cannot be made to go away.

There are so many beautiful lines that paint this piece. Whole sections flow seamlessly, defying breakup and identifying a single line that is the best or holds the poem together.

Congratulations on another very fine piece. Highest marks again.

Best regards,

Rick

[Marlena]

So sad and depressing, I feel for them. Nice work.

[Georgia Gypsy]

Very well written. So sad but speaks to the heart.
If this is on personal experience, I'm sorry for your loss...
Cant wait to read more of your work.!