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Boanerges
| Open Poetry #36 |
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Boanerges |
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RSWells Member Elite
since 2001-06-17
Posts 2533
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Boanerges* . . “In Marseilles, France, to test his friends, Leon Barat invited them to his funeral, lay stiffly in his coffin while they talked about him. When he rose to thank them for their good opinions, one friend collapsed with heart troubles, died soon afterward. The widow sued Leon Barat for damages.” -Time Magazine, December 5, 1932 . . . . . Some goosestep uber alles on life’s path, some wedge to fit in empathetic shoes, I tiptoe now where once I tramped in wrath and know (perhaps too late) it’s ours to choose When you, long distant uncle, dared to ask If ever I gave thought to my “Old Man,” it sent my eyes downcast to try and mask the pain that seemed to start when life began I mumbled something of my feelings mixed, For I’d not kick you on your final day but when I looked again and our eyes fixed we both knew what I didn’t have to say, your deathbed’s not the place for animus, the conversation turned another way Instead I spoke of genealogy, of many finer men back up our line whose voices oe’r the storm have called to me with promises the sun again would shine I even stroked you for your kids’ success, call it a parting gift, the false assertion that you as father were something more, not less than batterer, neglect and loves’ desertion, my newfound cousins overcame your mess themselves and with 3 mothers’ strained exertions I credit them you went with dignity, they none of them flinched, and ne’er a chaff, though I will always wince its irony, the headstone you desired “He made us laugh” I’ve long exhumed the calcium of my rage for love, you see’s a word that I employ, it didn’t come from those who were your age instead I learned to say it from my boy The “Old Man,” you, a few more of your brothers greased rails to ease dark locomotives’ hate, but finally I, and seems as well the others aren’t hobos who will ride with poisoned freight My research shows the tracks led to your mother, to her “Old Man” a sad embezzler drunk I guess her sons thought love was there to smother and life’s to be endured in endless funk I take back the words said to your daughter not long after you stole your final breath, that you were the “most macho,” words I brought her for lack of any kinder after death Our past is full of truly better men who wouldn’t stumble over mother’s sins the future shows a family whole again and gentle men as you all should have been How better all who fool themselves would act, how little than would there be to atone If denial were not nurtured and no tact Were fastened on reality’s’ headstone? Here lies a lying cheater Here a thief Here lies a wife/child beater Who caused grief Here lies a man who never spoke of love Feel free to use the urinal above . . . . . * Boanerges = “Sons of Thunder,” Jesus’ name for John and James (Mark 3:17) |
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| © Copyright 2005 Richard S. Wells jr. - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Richard. It is so good to see you here today!! Assuming this is a real life story... This poem packs a punch!!! Yet, I hear forgiveness in your words. A subject I was just thinking of myself and maybe one of the most powerful emotional tools we humans have in life. I hope you will grace us with more of your words soon!  |
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Gentle Spirit Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989 |
Richard, it is so very little that I have been able to be here lately so I am doubly pleased to be here to catch your words. Damn, you and your words have been missed.  Only you, could write of this life lesson in the total perfection that you have achieved with this poetically wonderful piece. I hope, that you will grace us with your words again ... soon.  live for today, |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Not many can gild a bitter reality with so much compassion, yet stand apart...not in bitterness... maybe it is wariness? Lest it happen again? One of your best assets, Richard, is that you share truths so well. And I thank you, for this. |
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Mysteria 
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Well...there is still always an ever present softness to be read under the shell of bitterness, disappointment, and that ever present rage. It seems to me a good sign that the sins of the fathers ended where they did so all can now move on. It truly is nice to know that we can through our choices make a change in repeating toxic cycles. You know I couldn't help but think of poor old Buster, and the gentle heart of a man than did not take after "those men" in one way. Then, I caught myself smiling, that if I were to order your tombstone, it would indeed say, "He made us laugh,"  and you know it would surely suit. Take care, and it was so good to read you before going offline. Un coeur aimable a toujours une tête civile. |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Well me thinks ole Wells deserved a bump on this one. |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
A powerful impact, Mr. R.S. (I like things that bite. )I see you have survived many a storm. It's good to see you here m'friend.  |
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