Questions and Answers

... yup.

 

I wonder, did he feel the pain?
Did he know what was happening,
That night my mother ended his life,
Could he feel the cold gunmetal pressed
Calmly against his temple
Before he lost the right side of his face?
Such a way to die was not fitting for a marine,
A cowardly death followed by suicide.


I wonder what was on her mind
When she pulled the trigger each time?
Was she aware of the pain she’d cause
As she pulled them both away from us?
I wonder what sort of pain she felt
As she slew her sleeping lover,
Was it heartbreak that coursed through
Or a sick sense of twisted victory?

I wonder all of these ghastly things,
The images of their deaths are plain
And I’ll be haunted time and time again,
Unable to sleep because of this pain.

Questions forever will remain unanswered,
But I must look deeper in myself,
Must ask myself a simple question:
Do I want the answers all that bad?

Reviews

[Tai Chi Italy]

Hello dear John! the fact that these questions have arisen in your poetry and thought suggest a vital part of your journey and eventual recovery from the terrible tragedy that overtook you and your family.....because you are airing these issues, which frankly, were probably not even an issue to those perpetrating the tragedy....spur of the terrible moment...as we have spoken of before, diminished faculties, etc etc, all add up to No Answer to your questions, well not that would satisfy your soul, but you knew your parents better than anyone else concerned and in your heart, you knew your parents loved you....You are right that it is best not to dwell on things you cannot fathom, that is so true....sometimes we just have to let fact and life wash over us, no matter who disturbing or disorientating it may be....

Sometimes it is for the best, but every time, you feel inspired, is a great time.

Smiling at you

With a hug from

Tai x

[Rain]

My God, I don't even know what to say. Such things are beyond mere mortals to understand. I'm so sorry, John...so very sorry. Rain..

[justjenn_2u]

While the words here purely show tragedy, your words here show so much strength. This is a subject that I would never want to give too much opinion on, for I don't feel worthy. I admire your courage to put these thoughts and emotions into such poetry filled with wisdom.

Way to go!

[Adrian K. Smith]

It is my one obsession - understanding. Something like this, would simply destroy me - as my brain would work round the clock trying to figure out the answers to so many questions. It would consume me, and even though I would know that I could never find the answers - I would have that need to understand - it would drive me beyond the edge of sanity... far beyond.

[J.Black]

Oh my god John, this was just, a huge tingly feeling throughout my entire body.
I'm almost speechless.
However, I do think that sometimes, questions she remain unanswered.
Sometimes, it' best not to know.
Take care, and please keep on writing, it's brilliant.
Cheers!
x

[*** Hey Jude***]

The questions you carry deep within a wounded heart cry out with fervor. To understand that there is no "gentle answer" when looking at this tragic event; means exactly what you so impressively stated in the last three lines

"But I must look deeper in myself,
Must ask myself a simple question:
Do I want the answers all that bad?"

I hope this was a cathartic write as I found it to be outstanding! ~ Jude

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Tragedies are always filled with questions... and when it's at the hands of someone who finds no value in life then they can become bigger... very sad piece that makes you realize how valuable life is.

[Dean]

No. Some questions should remain unanswered.

~Damian

[allwrite]

Oh John, this an amazing piece. I can feel the torment - the need to have questions answered. How can such miniscule words like "if" and "why" be so all-encompassing? And why is it that questions we want answered most are the ones we don't?

AW

[BrightEyes]

john,
the answers you seek here cannot be found within you - they lie within those whose lives were tragically lost. while this event most certainly touches you; shapes you - do not allow the questions to consume you; become you. Tragedy falls upon all of us in life, there are not answers to be found, no concrete reasons - you are a good person and a gifted write - I'm so sorry that this happened to you, and yes I say to you, because I know that this is an event that to some extent, you will always carry within you.

*hugs*

laura

[Rachel DeHart]

A shudder ran through me while I read this. It is an amazing poem, and though I can imagine it cause great pain to write, it is breath taking.

thank you so much for sharing this with us.