Regarding Hemingway

Regarding Hemingway

 

_________

 

Hemingway once wrote,
“…there is no friend as loyal as a book.”
Perhaps he never knew Andrea,
or looked into the circumference of her face.

 

For it is there that my sentences run…
where the pages of Webster fail to categorically define
the introduction of her smile.
Where a myriad of words tether me
to a Microsoft page,
and I am bound to the wafts of her laughter
like Hemingway’s fisherman was - to the sea.


“…no friend as loyal as a book.”
Perhaps he never knew Andrea.

 

_______

 

Author's Note

Andrea was my son's Kindergarten teacher. We were the best of friends, until she was tragically killed by a drunk driver. It is her laughter that remains with me...

Reviews

[Will Neill]

I always think that once a persons name is placed in a story or poem that their essence of life lives on forever.
A powerful poem that holds the spirit of Andrea.
Well done Kelly.
Will

[Kelly Scheppers]

You've made my day somewhat brighter, just by being here...thank you, Will!

[~]

What a great requiem Kelly. It is heartwarming to hear that you remember her by her laughter. I liked the idea that even a dictionary cannot define it. poignantly clever.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, Moonskittles...I am overwhelmed that you enjoyed my tribute!

[Lydia Shutter]

Kelly, this poem gave me goosebumps. Andrea must have been a wonderful soul to have gained your devotion and respect. How sad a drunk driver ended her life! I hope her laughter helps you get through difficult times. Such a touching write. Lydi**

[Kelly Scheppers]

I always find comfort in your words, Lydi...thank you!

[R Smith]

I am sorry to hear that Kelly, your poem does her a great service as a tribute to the friend you had and was cruelly taken away, God bless her and yourself :)

[Kelly Scheppers]

Your thoughtfulness and kindness are deeply appreciated, Richard.

[ron]

I am truly sorry about Andrea having been taken away. I would have loved to met her.

[Kelly Scheppers]

You would have felt like you had known her all your life - that's just the way she was. Thank you so much, Ron!

[ron]

You are most welcome Kelly xoxo

[J. K. Beach]

Kelly... I am struck by the image of your "sentences running..." I see little cartoon words with legs running around carrying your heart to where your friends face and laughter still sound. Lovely images... tragic circumstances... to bad they often seem to go so well together. Hemingway can keep his loyal books (they cant' leave you unless you get rid of them yourself anyway)... you have had a true friendship and that is more precious than all the words in all the books ever written! Beautiful words my friend...

[Kelly Scheppers]

I always look forward to your reviews, Jeff...thank you!

[Anand Sehgal]

Very rich in emotion, very rich in content . Loved it .
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[Kelly Scheppers]

How sweet of you to say...thank you, Anand!

[dan]

Kelly, I never knew Andrea but the few words you have written make me feel as though I have. Drunk driving has taken so many innocents from us...it's one of life's biggest inequities: the loss of friends vs. the driver's thirst for endless drink...one may say that both parties lose but for our friends that does not hold water. A moving tribute to your friend, may Andrea rest in peace. take care...dan

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you kindly, Dan. You take care, as well!

[Terry Collett]

A fine tribute to Andrea and her friendship with you. You have avoided over sentimentality and made the tribute deep and moving.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you for your kind words, Terry. I appreciate your review.

[Dara]

I am so sorry to hear about your loss Kelly. To lose someone close to you in such a tragic way is unthinkable. Your poem is a beautiful tribute to her memory.

[Kelly Scheppers]

What made this such a tragedy is that Andrea's mom was out of town, and could not be reached. She learned of her daughter's death the day afterwards, upon returning home. My heart simply broke for her. Thank you, Dara.

[Dara]

It is a mother's worst nightmare. My thoughts and prayers go out to you both.

[Kelly Scheppers]

...thank you, Dara! So sweet of you...