Yellow Rose of Bangalore

 Half sat, mostly sprawled

across the big white bed in

room 3042, of a grand hotel

in Bangalore. My mobile rings.

I know before answering it’s

one of those calls that defines

life into ‘before’ and ‘after’,

so hesitate as long as

possible in ‘before’. 

 

“Dad passed away in the night.”

I don’t believe it, tears come but

I don’t believe it and sit, stand, sit,

pace around, shaking my head.

I don’t know what to do.

I don’t know what to do.

 

Stupid thoughts: must cancel the

newspapers, inform the landlord,  

hair appointment at 4 o’clock.

I hear a strange sound,

a sort of ascending groan.

It’s coming from me.

 

There’s a single yellow rose

in a vase on the desk. 

Reviews

[Buddhistboy73]

For me you capture here the way people focus on details when life's big events happen to us, maybe a way from protecting ourselves from the pain for a while.
This is the third piece of yours i have read, and you really have a talent with words, and with assisting the visual process for the reader.
I loved this piece...:)

[vandana]

well the title was eye catching.........The lines about stupid thoughts jolted my memory of a similar experience in the past........death of a loved one....its heart wrenching. Its a well written poem.

[Bennett Logan]

This is truly the best poem I've read on Writers' Cafe in a long long time. It's so real and honest. Your description is so perfect and personal---I felt like I was standing right there in your shoes. By the time I was through reading, I felt like I'd been punched hard in the gut. Incredible poem. Truly.

I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

[Patient Poet (Yos)]

OH I am so very sorry , so very sorry ... I had that feeling before I read this , what can I say , you expected it, but ... I so wished you will not need to go over this again.... I know that ... for the last moments of his life.... he remembered the good moments you gave him , coming to talk with him, be with him, even when you already knew.. and he too.... may this will be the last sad day ... of your life.... Yossi

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

This is so heartbreaking... but the emotions you displayed are undeniable...

Stupid thoughts: must cancel the
newspapers, inform the landlord,
hair appointment at 4 o'clock.
I hear a strange sound,
a sort of ascending groan.
It's coming from me.

that part really got me cause that is what we do, think of trivial things in maybe a subconscious attempt of denial. very powerful work.