Death's Caress

Death's Caress

A Poem by Marie Harrison
"

A caress from beyond the grave.

"

 

Death's Caress

 

papa
how I long to
walk
in the moonlight 
under your
magic garden's
magnolia trees
 
like we used to
every spring
with your golden
retriever
 
I'd hold buttercup's
leash so you could
cut off several flowers
with your old buck knife
 
thoughts of santa
would twirl through my
imagination
everytime I saw those
bolts of bunched silk
gathered like 
christmas bows
in the fringes of your
untucked tshirt
 
these are for
your grandmother mimi
kiddo
 
later
when placed
in crystal
bowls of
tepid water
a sweet ginger
fragrance
would drift
from the
angel white
blossoms
 
the light and
refreshing scent
of fresh cut
flowers seemed to
make mimi's floral
window sheers
billow and dance
with glee every spring
 
walking through
the cemetery
tonight
I see you trying
to mask the
diamond tears
dripping down
your face
 
why are you
mulling over
all of these stories
of your former peers
that rest with
the dead
before you
 
how I followed
your steps with
my padded
toddler's feet
long ago
falling into
your arms
trying to
walk
papa
 
grasping to
take hold 
of the bright
prism beams
that always
surrounded
your proud
tall form
 
everyone
gathered
around you
to soak up
and enjoy your
bold energy source
 
where did the glow
of your northern star
go to grandpa
 
why did you
grow so wrinkled
and old overnight
 
was it all of the
lies you told
your wife
years ago
 
didn't you know
that resting your
golden crown of
curls on the pillow
of another man's
sacred treasure
would sow
pain for us all
papa 
 
who can measure
the degree of
such betrayal
 
you chose the
wife of your
brother
to lay under
grandfather
 
not even your
own mother
could forgive you
if she knew  
 
why does your chin
quiver so as
we stand here
 
are you afraid
you'll face them
all too soon
when you
die
 
 mimi
says
...your tomb
was lined with
velvet sheets
of doom
long ago
papa
 
the moment your
head touched
her pillow
she knew
 
don't you hear
the echoes of
of the wind
and rain
as we stand
by her grave
 
death's caressing
your tear-stained 
face papa
 
don't be afraid
for it's
mimi's gentle hand
 
mimi loves
you anyway 
just the way
you are today
papa
 
it's okay
to die
now
 
 
 
 
 

© 2010 Marie Harrison


Author's Note

Marie Harrison
This is a special poem to me.

My Review

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Featured Review

I could sense this pouring out of your soul like warm milk from a cauldron...

Such an amazing piece, every single emotion all wrapped into one page. Guilt, pain, disappointment, love, sentiment, reminiscence... This takes my breath away.

I could not find anything that needs improvement. The flow was steady, and I can tell you didn't hold back... the description and vivid elaboration on the feelings of your sacred heart- it shocks me.

I cannot pick a certain stanza to be my favorite, nor a certain section. This is just astronomical- the only poem on this site that I do believe is memorable.

Gage Anderson

Posted 14 Years Ago


2 of 2 people found this review constructive.




Reviews

Wow... it does sound like it was made especially for you. Such a long poem with short lines and short words. I think your poem is very imaginative especially when the first few stanzas. There are so many stanzas I keep losing count. The way you have wrote this poem is like as if you wanted to show the reader your childhood memories. The words you have used sound so true and draws teh reader in. The poem welcomes the reader into your past.

Posted 14 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

A childs glimpse at their elders mortality and failings making them less iconic...powerful

Posted 14 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

The poem rolls out like a film reel, highlighted by the gnarly facts of family life, and delivered w/your unassuming, unflinching honesty.

This honesty is particularly impressive walking right up to the end of days, either escorting the blood tie, or facing one's own mortality. Dealing w/the big D makes the rest pale by comparison and our stature increases for living lives worthy of the name instead of the proverbial "quiet desperation" ones fanned by the frickin' zombified media.

Good work, brave and true.

Posted 14 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

A sad but a beautiful poem. In a long life. We will make many mistakes. Like the description of the father sin and mistakes. I wonder often what will happen to my soul? I like the story. I could see the child walking with the father. A very good ending to a outstanding poem. Forgiveness is hardest to receive from your self.
Coyote

Posted 14 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Wow, this here is poetry. True poetry comes from the soul where we as poets have our strength, our voice, this here is emotion. I see why it's so special to you, this is very personal indeed, it's the type that makes you want to wrap your arms around that person letting them know all will be ok. Thank you for sharing this with me.

Posted 14 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.


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1085 Views
25 Reviews
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Shelved in 4 Libraries
Added on September 4, 2010
Last Updated on September 4, 2010

Author

Marie Harrison
Marie Harrison

Atlanta, GA



About
Momma told me to get out and enjoy life, so now I'm going to dance. more..

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