Silence, a Virtue or Not?

(make your own mind up, I wonder what my brother really thought)

I have heard it said, that hearing

is the last sense to depart

before the heart gives way.

That August day, I kept talking,

knowing he was walking close

to the crossroads of no return.

Knowing he was near to parting

and waiting for the sigh of his

last breath.

I didn't pause to rest.

I couldn't stop the waterfall 

of words cascading from my lips,

gentle whispers,

flowing in a stream.

In my grief, I believed my voice

should stay with him, he had no choice.

I wonder what he would have said

about this matter

and the constant chatter

he couldn't escape?

As I held his hand, maybe he would

complain I was nagging him to death,

or maybe he would understand that

I feared his lack of company

on a journey to eternity

without the bond of family.

Reviews

[Robert Trakofler]

Your voice gave so much comfort in those last minutes and they resound forever. That energy still flows true, as the moment you first gave them air. As is this poem, true and lovely

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your kindness Bad bunny and for your visit. All good wishes

Chris

[Gee]

I think we would all like to have loved ones at our side as we pop our clogs, whether it not well want to listen to inane chatter is another thing :))
Good morning Christine

[Chris Shaw]

Good morning Gee. Well I certainly think he would have been reassured by my presence as to the chatter who knows? We do what we do to get ourselves through it. Always difficult, losing loved ones is so psinful. Good morning Gee. Have a good one.

Chris

[Norman 223]

This is a beautiful piece of writing Chris. One often wonders whether words have any effect at that final stage, but it is part of our desire not to lose that bond of connection. Silence in these circumstances can only be a formality, not a panacea.

Norman

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Norman. We never know how we will deal with these situations until they arrive. We act on instinct and then possibly reflect afterwards. I appreciate your lovely review.

Chris

[LazerRays]

Oh my!! Wow, this is really deep in emotional boundaries. Had me stunned for a bit. This really made me think on thw matter. Almost seemed like a paradox.... The thoughts running through your head about silence being better or worse. I think in cases like these, talking is better. If i were dying i would like a loved one to speak, so the last thing i cpuld hear is them. Silence would make me feel isolated. This was a good write and probably my favoritr one of yours. :D

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sarah. I think you do what you have to do. You don't even think about it at the time. It's afterwards you question it. I appreciate your encouragement.

Chris

[Dave]

Chris - In times such as these that you describe I'm sure that whatever you say is a blessing.
I don't believe any of us want to be alone when we last enter that last, dark doorway. I'm
sure that whatever you said provided some comfort, perhaps even joy to them.
Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

What a lovely response Dave. Thank you so much for your kind understanding. All the best.
read moreWhat a lovely response Dave. Thank you so much for your kind understanding. All the best.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Sometime we need conversation. Some words, we must speak. Maybe last chance to talk with. Thank you Chris for sharing your words and thoughts.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Coyote for your wisdom filled words. Always good to see you on my page.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

A powerful poem and you are welcome Chris.

[duck]

such sad poetry and heart breaking to read. this kind of work will help and give strength to anyone going through similar situations and this can only be seen as a good thing.

[Chris Shaw]

It wasn't until a couple of months later I started to question myself. In those situations you just have to deal with it in the best way you can. There are no wrongs or rights. Thanks duck and good morning to you.

Chris