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deleeme
Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 1766
NEW ENGLAND, USA

0 posted 2000-08-14 04:38 AM


I didn't recognize the man
I said I'd known for years,
I'd seen him and we talked alot
And even shared our fears.
But now he sounds quite diff'rent
...Suppose I've been deceived,
By all the things I've seen and heard--
Just what should I believe?

With me, he shared some secrets
No angel had he been,
Sometimes he lost his temper
And liked his nips of gin.
This is the fellow that I knew--
At least that's what I thought,
But oh what a revelation
About him, this day has brought!

I surely would not recognize
Him from the things they're saying
For as one whose path he'd crossed--
From the truth they well were straying.
I know they surely mean well
With their words so sweet and kind,
But do they really honor him?
I wonder if he'd mind?

But that I guess I'll never know
He neither affirms nor denies it,
He just lays there ,oh so still
As if he just defies it.
For I am at his funeral
And soon he'll be laid to rest,
But already they've rewritten history
And now he's among the best!

What a miracle that death seems
By which lives are transposed,
From those common lowly creatures
To saints, freshly disclosed!
Why can't they reflect on the life he lived
And say whatever good they can,
Of this notable imperfect human
That I'd recognize and understand!


"GOD GIVES- but man must open his hand." (German Proverb)


© Copyright 2000 David L. White - All Rights Reserved
ellie LeJeune
Member Elite
since 2000-01-10
Posts 4156
King of Prussia, PA USA
1 posted 2000-08-14 06:46 AM


David; How beautifully written is this enigmatic poem. I've seen similar situations.
Either they never truly knew him, as you did, or they are unable to be open and honest in the face of death. I know that I would want to be remembered for exactly who I am. Great job on this one. love, Sis

Summers haunting melody
that awakens
the butterflies,
calling them to join
the dance
in their silent song
of praise to God.

eL

Marge Tindal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
2 posted 2000-08-14 07:27 AM


David~
Well, I guess it's one good reason
not to listen to the 'preachings' at funerals.

I, too, have buried strangers ...
I wonder why it hurt so much ?
~*Marge*~




~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com



Lady Lost
Member
since 2000-07-13
Posts 470

3 posted 2000-08-14 07:51 AM


This is beautiful..I read somewhere that "God must break our hearts to prove to us that He only takes the best".......beth

You can never have too much fiction; reality can be such a bore

Dennis L. White
Senior Member
since 2000-02-17
Posts 1463
Michigan, U.S.A.
4 posted 2000-08-14 08:57 AM


David,
  This is a raw honest look at how we try to console ourselves, family and friends when someone passes away. Rather than honor just the good they have accomplished, we spin stories of what might have been and try to pass it off as fact.  A thoughtful and thought provoking poem from your unique and wise perspective.
Dennis :^)

Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

5 posted 2000-08-14 08:29 PM


I've never experienced this disconcerting event. It must feel strange indeed. Very good, David!

Denise

Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
6 posted 2000-08-14 09:03 PM


David, you touched my heart with this, as you've stated this sad occassion so honestly. I've written and composed poems for 6 funerals now, and read them aloud at each one. I had one grandparent who was quite a difficult character, but I penned the poem honestly and added some humour to lighten it up ... I think this was the most richly received, and most commented on. I had many say they could hear her up there laughing herself (she took pride in being difficult, but we loved her so)     Thank you for these lovely memories you brought back David.

Best wishes,
/Kit

Lakewalker
Member Elite
since 2000-08-05
Posts 3289
On the streets w/ people
7 posted 2000-08-15 09:48 AM


A very touching poem, well done.
Alle'cram
Senior Member
since 2000-02-28
Posts 1816
Texas
8 posted 2000-08-15 10:59 AM


deleeme, Job well done! In verse and message. Marcy
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