AFTERMATH

death, left behind

A mini sphere of rupture

amends untold lives for all time

abandons those close to devastation

the angel of death executes her calling upon a still warm body

a man, whose depression pleads for her to save him

Those left most behind

remember the decimation

nightmares

grief flows

demise and hollow

only dark memories float

angel of death clinches him

at once they bolt into an unknown space of her choice

Reviews

[barleygirl]

Your poem alludes to devastation & it could be the death of a loved one or of a way of life. I read this as the way life can fall apart to such an intense degree, it can make a person feel half-crazy for a bit. The way your poem conveys the topsy-turvy sensation of trying to get along when nothing makes sense anymore, it reminds me of when I answered a suicide-prevention hotline for a couple years. The main people who called were not suicide people, but those with significant mental issues & needing a place to spew out their madness when the world was crashing in. Reading this poem makes me feel as helpless as I did then, helpless to change their reality (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Betty Hermelee]

Hi Margie, Sorry to say it was a suicide and some one I knew; I think it was gruesome as he was a gun collector but not too many details were revealed ,?the devastation I refer to is one that is felt by those left behind... his three children! 63 yrs old ... tragic... thanks for reviewing I really appreciate you!!!

[barleygirl]

I'm sorry you & they had to experience this . . .

[Betty Hermelee]

Very sad and a terrible way to exit life, thanks Margie

[Laconic Meraki]

This literally just blew my mind.
Vividly.. I saw many different scenes.
It painted many pictures to me personally.

[Laconic Meraki]

Of a dream I once had. It was a boy in a casket with a faint voice saying "save him" .
Gave me chills.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank so much; this was a true event, sadly.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Oh my, you must cheer up a bit. This was so melancholy and forlorn. But I am reminded of a quote from Lonesome Dove, where Captain Call tells his men, "He's right, boys, the best thing you can do with death is ride away from it." We can't very well do much else with it unless we intend on joining the dead in the grave. But life is for the living and we must continue on as best we can. This was very sad and touching.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Fabian, nice to see you at the cafe, this is a true story and it is a family friend, so affected me personally. Thanks for your kind review, best,Betty

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I understand, I lost my brother the same day my daughter was born and I had to leave my newborn with my wife while I traveled several hundred miles to his service. But I did not waste time or energy mourning him. I had a newborn to tend. And my brother would have wanted me to be happy for my blessing and not sad for the loss of him. Yes, the best thing you can do with death is ride away from it.

[Chris Shaw]

Suicide thought I, and very quickly too. I can not even begin to contemplate how loved ones would feel after such destruction. It is horror that a loved one could not reach out and would tajke this as a solution. Unbearable sadness I don't think possible to come to terms with. Well done Betty. You certainly got my emotions roused.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks Chris, you're always spot on!!!
stay safe and well, Betty

[John the Baptist]

I get the feeling the death mentioned here was not from natural causes. Because depression is mentioned, I think suicide may be involved. I believe also that it was unexpected, that being the reason for the disruption in the lives of those who cared for the deceased. Even for those who are only moderately depressed, suicide is always a possibility.

[Betty Hermelee]

You get an A+..... didn’t want to mention suicide but only tangentially ....yea and also a personal friend..so sad, but it happens with depression... thanks for you intuitive review! Best, Betty