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hsystems
Member
since 2000-03-28
Posts 319
Murray, UT, USA

0 posted 2000-03-31 10:48 AM


                 On a Pale Horse

Speak softly, lest your voice offend the silence.
Come, sit with me, beneath the maple tree.
For, soon, my friend, I'm going on a journey:
My time is near; the Horseman comes for me.
My dreams are gone; my heart is torn and bleeding.
What horror could the end now hold for me?
I feel a gentle calm, though Death approaches;
For, when I die, I know I shall be free.

And, yet, my friend, I'll miss our times together -
The golden hours that you and I have shared.
For, even when life's trials have been the greatest,
You've filled my soul with peace, beyond compare.
I almost wish the end were not so near, now;
And, that my death, I somehow could delay.
For, if there is a means to end my sorrow,
I know that you would help me find the way.

The Horseman's here; I bid him, "Take me swiftly;
From life's dark pain, I long for death's reprieve!"
But, no!  He turns away from me, perceiving
That I have much, as yet, for which to live.
And, so, my friend, I ask you, "Take me home, now;
And stay with me, throughout the lonely night.
Then, with your hand in mine, upon the morrow,
I'll find the strength to carry on the fight."

  -Troy J. Hoecherl-

© Troy J Hoecherl
All Rights Reserved


 Beautiful, Thought-Provoking Poetry
http://www.h-systems.net/p1.htm

© Copyright 2000 Troy Hoecherl - All Rights Reserved
Rex Allen McCoy
Member Elite
since 2000-01-30
Posts 2863
Sippin a Timmy's in London
1 posted 2000-03-31 01:12 PM


Beautiful poem Troy ... almost lost both parrents to the horseman ... more than once
he's turned away and wished them well

Rex}>{{{{o>

hsystems
Member
since 2000-03-28
Posts 319
Murray, UT, USA
2 posted 2000-03-31 06:24 PM


Thanks, Rex!  This poem has special significance for me.  It was one of the (thankfully) rare moments in my life when I felt suicidal, and my best friend talked me out of it - so glad she did!

Troy


 Beautiful, Thought-Provoking Poetry
http://www.h-systems.net/p1.htm

Butterflies_dont_cry
Member Elite
since 2000-03-06
Posts 3733
Michigan
3 posted 2000-04-01 06:55 AM



Troy*
Amazing....You created a whirlwind of feelings with this one... you know a poem has done it's job when it's done that. As always thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your gift!

INclan
Senior Member
since 1999-07-20
Posts 1024
Indiana, USA
4 posted 2000-04-01 07:35 AM


Troy,

This is simply wonderful.  I really enjoyed how you have woven the whole thing together. I like how you handled the conflict between "being ready to die" and " Death's rejection." The ending spoke to me....being as resigned to life as you were to death.

INclan

Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

5 posted 2000-04-01 08:07 AM


troy, this is exceptional writing, truly.
this piece is so strong and well written and just perfect, powerful, and full of the wisdom of your lessons learned.
very nice work here.
take care, jm

 she said I dont know if I've ever been good enough,
and I'm a little bit rusty, and I feel like my head is caving in.
...and I dont know if I've ever been really loved by a hand thats touched me...
and I feel like somethings gonna give...
and I'm a little bit angry.
matchbox20

hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
6 posted 2000-04-01 09:26 AM


Troy....you are a gifted poet, this is incredibly formated and perfect in it's rhythm and rhyme...not to metion a most powerful piece. You should be proud of how well you have crafted this one  
Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
7 posted 2000-04-01 11:39 AM


I do agree with my cohorts on this piece, Troy...

You've got some wonderful talent.. This is quite an intense work, and speaks volumes for your ability.  I'll be reading lots more of your work..

CherylLynnMckee
Member
since 2000-03-28
Posts 215

8 posted 2000-04-01 12:16 PM


Thank god for your friend..had he not..so much beautiful poetry we would of lost..this peice included..thank you for sharing it.

 

hsystems
Member
since 2000-03-28
Posts 319
Murray, UT, USA
9 posted 2000-04-03 04:43 AM


Thank you all for your wonderful comments!

Butterflies...in this case, art imitated life.  The whirlwind of emotions started inside me, and flowed onto the paper.  I guess I really had TWO good friends there that night, as my muse was certainly in attendance.  

INclan...it never ceases to amaze me - sometimes the hardest choices in life can become crystal-clear and simple, when we view them in another light.  I am forever thankful  to this special friend for helping me to see things clearly, and to channel my efforts in the opposite direction.  Glad you liked it!

JanetMarie...thanks for the praise!  And, yes, this was a hard-learned lesson - one of those things where you look back and think "Whew - that was a close one!"

Hoot...thank you so much!  Creating this piece was actually serendipity - my heart spoke so loudly I could not ignore it, and I simply wrote down the words as it dictated.

Nan...you are too kind!  I really don't think  that I'm an exceptional writer, though - just a very good listener.  My heart speaks, my muse translates the emotions into words, and I record them - sorta like a stenographer  with hairy legs, LOL!

CherylLynnMckee...I DO thank God every day for this friend.  She kept me sane when my world was chaotic and crazy, and there is a special place in my heart that will always belong to her.

Again, thank you all for reading my poems!  Your words of praise mean an awful lot to me,  since you are all such talented poets!  I'm really thankful to be part of the Passions family!


Troy

 Beautiful, Thought-Provoking Poetry
http://www.h-systems.net/p1.htm

mariee66
Senior Member
since 2000-01-30
Posts 596
Recess, OfYourMind
10 posted 2000-04-03 10:10 AM


This was masterfully done~
Wonderful job Troy~
Marie~


 "Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind;
And therefore is wing'd Cupid painted blind." The Bard



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