When Friends Die
The dark clouds fill
the sky of my heart when
a friend dies, lightning bolts
hit indiscriminately, rivers rush
the shores, attempt to wash
away the harbor.
It is a different song of
grief, a barrage of memories
stuffed into a quilted, cotton bag
zipped to keep them
from escaping and getting lost
in the forest.
It is a hike up the mountain
dread of each step, orchestrating
a careful walk.
Don’t fall, don’t tumble, don’t
fly like the barefoot angel
trying to reach heaven.
It is the playlist of songs that
sealed the bond long ago in a
Lincoln Continental convertible
top down, voices screaming in
unison with lyrics that splash
across the universe.
6 thoughts on "When Friends Die"
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The truths this poem tells. 💔
” is a different song of
grief, a barrage of memories
stuffed into a quilted, cotton bag
zipped to keep them
from escaping and getting lost
in the forest.”
This is the perfect description. A great write. Thank you for sharing this with us.
The images and metaphors are fresh here! Love that Lincoln Continental and ending with “lyrics that splash across the universe.*
Hearbreakingly authentic. So relatable. Vivid imagery articulated in contemplative rhythm. Feel that grief is not the speaker’s identity, realizing it is only an emotion. Seen at poem’s conclusion as healing opportunity, transforming grief and cherishing friends all the more. Virginia Lee Alcott, thank you for sharing this deeply touching writing. May you be well
Oh, the multifaceted nature of grief, but I love how you celebrate the enduring power of shared experiences and memories. The last stanza is magnificent. Great write!
Brilliant.
The second and fourth stanza brought me to my knees,
Love the “splash/across the universe! Amazing what memories arise from knowing someone. Often they are not the ones you would expect. This poem is a heart handed to a friend.