Time Of Death

Time Of Death

A Poem by icelandicblue

We ignore it but it waits,
as the clock ticks
and the hourglass pours,
we continue feigning ignorance.

I have seen this cold hand caress
the young and old. Invitations are
sent on occasion, scripted on fine paper,
RSVPs are just futile redundancy.

We know but we don't know -
so we discount the chill
that creeps up our spine
hugging ourselves warm.

But somewhere your name and mine are
written, perhaps in those stars
beloved by bards and lovers,
and beneath them are stamped small numbers.

Sometimes the numerals are too far away to see
other times they sit by our bedside, close and waiting,
I would rather not see mine, but leave it to the person who
is charged with witnessing my last breath and scripting  my official time of death.

© 2014 icelandicblue


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Reviews

you are just a hair short of embracing the passing moment here and I like that...no acceptance, but an admitting coolness that assures us that the futility you speak of is all too true...

"the person who
is charged with scripting my last breath" ...of all the analysis I've done on this matter, I must say, I have never felt for or even thought of the claimants role....quite startled I am now actually.......there are formalities that must be dealt with, not of my concern then, but perhaps I should address them now

while I can...thanks IB

Peace,
R

Posted 10 Years Ago


icelandicblue

10 Years Ago

We move from participants to spectators in the space of a breath. I am not sure of the formalities y.. read more
This poem really just captures a sense of time, and how none can avoid dying in the end. All of the melancholy is expressed, along with the need to live life each day, for you might not have tomorrow. Very sublime.

Posted 10 Years Ago


icelandicblue

10 Years Ago

Thank you, I am not even a pragmatist anymore, I think I have become a fatalist. I appreciate your t.. read more
Wow. This poem blows me away, Blue. "Like a thief in the night..." my grandmother used to say, but we all know he's there, lurking. You have given something to ponder, and a reason to embrace the Day, because Night awaits...

Posted 10 Years Ago


icelandicblue

10 Years Ago

Fear not Rita- your happiness and positive attitude will keep him at bay.
Anne - this literally brought tears to my eyes... I am so speechless again at your beautiful poetry. I think sometimes we are so caught up in life we don't think about it ending or the reality of it all. Truthfully, I never think of it until something happens then I think (sometimes wish) what if it were me?

The emotion is so intense, you nailed it.

Posted 10 Years Ago


s y e

10 Years Ago

I've had my fair share of deaths too and I know it's hard... But I think when we have young ones aro.. read more
icelandicblue

10 Years Ago

I do not mean to diminish your losses or suffering. Still, you are 16 life awaits you, grasp it with.. read more
s y e

10 Years Ago

I understand what you're saying my friend.
Your poetry aches. It reaches in an tugs at the heart strings. Great intensity and emotion.

Posted 10 Years Ago


icelandicblue

10 Years Ago

Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
Anne, Anne, I love you to pieces but you seem to bring tears to my eyes lately with your poetry. So many great people lost and thinking of someone else's number being up is more than I want to think about but such is life and/or death. I guess that's why we need to live every day to the fullest, never know which star our names are written upon. Touching, relevant and intensely penetrating. You've done it again my friend.

Posted 10 Years Ago


icelandicblue

10 Years Ago

Thanks Frieda,
I'm in a bad bad place and it comes out in my poetry. Having time off from work.. read more
Frieda P

10 Years Ago

You vent as much as you need to, didn't mean to imply you should write sparkly stuff all the time, w.. read more
icelandicblue

10 Years Ago

I know Frieda. It's has become my companion, the shadow I harbor that understands. I am lost and ev.. read more
Anne, this is deeply profound and filled with so much truth. We do go through our days it seems ignoring what waits down the road, but like your poem ends, I would rather just let whoever it is that holds that list of dates and times worry about it, leaving me to go on with other more important things...like living.

Very nice and oh so cool my friend.

Posted 10 Years Ago


icelandicblue

10 Years Ago

Thanks Jack,

A weird thing for me to write on the first day of a new year but I really .. read more
Jack...

10 Years Ago

I understand Anne, and you sadness does show in this wonderful poem. These are things we all have to.. read more

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Added on January 1, 2014
Last Updated on January 1, 2014

Author

icelandicblue
icelandicblue

Boston



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I do not accept any new friend requests unless we have read and commented on each others poetry. No exceptions. I have enough homework as it is. I expect reciprocity in our exchanges. Read my work and.. more..

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