In the end

 

They will read what I've written

and perhaps take comfort in the fact,

that on paper at least,

I seemed fine with the whole idea.

That I wasn't afraid.

 

They may see messages,

like holy images on pancakes or

windows,

a sign to cling to,

closure,

a farewell,

a la dee da,

 

but every word was for her

and her alone.

 

I give her my world and my life

in symbols and syllables,

a slow and steady stream

like a transfusion,

and when I am empty

I’ll blow away,

a cardboard milk carton

assaulting the gutter in a March wind,

gone to all

but her.

Reviews

[Bennett Logan]

Why haven't I read this poem before now?

This is excellent, Mr. McGovern. It's simple, elegant, and you say everything in a minimal amount of words. Thank you for writing this. :)

I hope all is well with you and yours.

[Syndra Lynn]

Simply beautiful. For lover or grandaughter, she is a LUCKY girl.

[Hedra Helix]

sweeeeet, I didnt even expect the gist you were getting at, that it was all about a girl in the end, cus you had such images and gave off the softness of the psyche so raw, so much so that it was a complete picture when you brought it all back to her in the end.

[avant security guard]

that is totally right--to some, we're just litter--it should matter, but it doesn't--I've been there
correct--
that's all I can say

[Shara Faskowitz]

This is an older piece, right? I think I remember it. You edited it down to the essentials, to the point where it has a strongly elegaeic tone. The images are very sensual: I can see and hear that milk carton blown to the curb and back, over and over, like the shell of a heartbeat, which I suspect is exactly the effect you want. And there's the unspoken suggestion of the lost child on the milk carton, which maybe I'm reading into it, but works well nonetheless. This is very good poetry Timmy. :-)

[Tara]

Very beautiful write. There are those to whom we give our everything knowing they will hold it all in their hearts forever. While time may make others forget us, there will be that one who will be left carrying our spirit within them after we are gone. Not one wasted word here. Very nice.