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Open Poetry #5
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Impassable Abyss ( A poem to my nephew on his alcoholism)
| Open Poetry #5 |
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Impassable Abyss ( A poem to my nephew on his alcoholism) |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania 
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My brother was an alcoholic, and recently died of related causes. His son followed in his footsteps, and for this reason the two could not communicate for many years, but on my brother's deathbed they confessed their love for each other. I wrote this poem for my nephew and read it to him along with other family members The Impassable Abyss He was criticized by many for his conduct though the years By those who could not see the inner sorrows or the tears Who never dared to know this loving spirit from the start A warm and tender nephew who is so close to my heart A man with sensitivity to the heritage he holds Who with his warmth attracts and captivates your very soul Who sparks an instant friendship when he looks you in the eye And gives easily to others what to himself he would deny But there was an enemy within both a father and a son A battle which was futile and could not be overcome With no trestle to cross over an impassable abyss So many words remained unspoken and so much laughter missed Two souls who would not recognize the love they felt inside Until the father's death exposed the love so long denied With courage and with grace the son at last revealed the truth Embracing both his father and the feelings since his youth The father finally awoke just before he went to sleep His heart confessed the secret that it could no longer keep The end was the beginning, now the beginning is the end Of a burden too long carried by this young courageous friend My greatest wish within my heart before I leave this earth Is that he will look and recognize his stature and his worth For only when he truly loves the person found within Will he destroy the sickness which is destroying him If he would look deep into the mirror of his soul And saw the brilliance and the inner beauty to behold Then this would be the beginning of the end of all his tears And would put my heart to rest for the remainder of my years Love, Aunt Elizabeth |
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| © Copyright 2000 Elizabeth Santos - All Rights Reserved | |||
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devina Member Elite
since 1999-10-28
Posts 3539Cali |
This is a beautiful poem Elizabeth, I felt like part of the family...give everyone hugs for me too! And remember, it's better late than never to confess true feelings!!! Open arms can be the most fragile in the world... |
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Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Elizabeth, my friend - As you know, it may take much intervention and loving, supportive people to help your nephew ... I hope he is in a program. Keep the love and the support from all of the family ... he can make it. Hugs to you, sweet lady. ~*Marge*~ |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Devina, Thank you for your beautiful response Liz Marge, Gosh, it's good to have you there! Love you, Liz |
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Paul Hoekman Member
since 1999-12-28
Posts 382Harwinton Ct. U>S>A> |
Elizabeth, You have ripped my heart, touched me too close to home. I lost my brother 14 years ago He was drunk and driving, it was fortunate no one else was involved. I guess I'm supposed to consider myself an alcholic,although it's been 10 years. What is your nephews name? Maybe we could set up a forum prayer page? I know theres alot of powerful faith throughout this forum. And while we are enjoying the poems and friendship we could also help even more intimately through intersecerey prayer etc... I know I have some clout with the big guy. Well lets start now! If your reading this now. PLEASE PRAY: Dear God please come into the life of Darren, put his feet back on the path YOU'VE chosen for him, his life is far from over and through your GRACE and MERCY draw him near so HE can see the WAY the TRUTH and LIGHT through your son Jesus Christ,Amen If you do say the prayer please let Elizabeth Know THANKS!!! [This message has been edited by Paul Hoekman (edited 01-10-2000).] |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Paul, Your response touched me equally. My nephew's name is Darren. He's 34 years old, the most sensitive and loving of all my nephews and in fact all of my relatives. He has been through many programs unsuccessfully, and I believe that there are some bodies that are harder than others to rid of this disease. Thank you for your prayers. Liz |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Elizabeth...continue to offer him support nad help and even more so your love and prayers. |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
I've said the prayer and he will continue to be on my heart. This poem touched me deeply, Elizabeth. You are truly a special person.And so are you, Paul. And Elizabeth, you have my sympathies on the passing of your brother. < !signature--> Denise [This message has been edited by dsnyder (edited 01-10-2000).] |
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Lynn Member
since 1999-09-20
Posts 316Jasper, Alabama U.S.A. |
Elizabeth, My grandfather past away over the Thanksgiving holidays, he was an alcoholic. Had been all his life. And I see my mother following in his foot steps everyday. It's scary. How something like that can take control of you. If time cannot heal your pain, you can always cry on my shoulder. ~Jenn~ |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Elizabeth, My perscription is a table spoom of love each day. And a little extra talk about his change of way. It is a slow process but I've seen it work. Just one day at a time with a little teamwork. Your poem was wonderful and I really enjoyed the read. Love Sy |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Alcohol has hurt my life so many times and I could surly relate to the sadness and the love in this poem. My thoughts are with you and him. In the dew of little things, the heart finds its morning and is refreshed. (ee cummings) |
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HelmutB Senior Member
since 2000-01-06
Posts 964Canada |
This certainly brought back memories My Father......and that is that Your poem is very nice I agree "Love can build a bridge" and as other said "I also pray for thee". Love has build a bridge for me and my Father, but I lost my brother who could not follow the pass I walked with Dad. The ability to describe life with words is similar to painting a picture; both can be powerful tools. |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
Elizabeth, this is beautiful and yet so very sad. I have said the prayer. *hugs* What comes from the heart goes to the heart. Samuel Coleridge |
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Severn Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704 |
Lizy I have just said the prayer - and will say it again. I do hope it is heard. You are an amazing woman - and I am sure your nepwhew will be helped along the road to healing much by you and your family - how could he not with all the love that is there. A beautiful poem, my friend. K |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
I've read all of your responses more than once, and appreciate the warmth in them Thank you all very mmuch Liz |
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Witch's Brat Member
since 1999-09-17
Posts 100 |
Elizabeth, your work here has truly touched me. My heart goes out to you and your nephew. Thank you for sharing this with us. Yes, I did say the prayer. May God be with Darren. WB I am a disturbed person, and I write about disturbed people. ~Tennessee Williams |
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CrazyChick Member
since 2000-01-05
Posts 132 |
Alcohol took my cousin from me, its a horrible addiction. Great work, and all the best of luck!!! |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
WB Thank you for your comments and your prayers CC Alcoholism is a strange sickness and devistating to all those around. Thanks Liz |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
Alcoholism is one of the worst diseases I've ever seen. Especially in terms of affecting loved ones as well as the person who is ill. I have said the prayer, Elizabeth, and will continue to hold you and him in my prayers. ((HUGS)) Michael |
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WendyLynne New Member
since 2000-01-17
Posts 6 |
Dear Elizabeth, My heart is aching as I read your poem. You show such strength in even being able to put these feelings into words. I hope some of that strength will reach your nephew... God bless, WendyLynne |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Michael, Boy, you pulled this one up from way back, You're right, all communication breaks down with alcoholism. Thanks for your remarks Liz Wendy, Thank you for your comments, Liz |
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Elizabeth
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871Minnesota |
Elizabeth, this poem spoke volumes to me, especially the first two lines. So many people judge without bothering to give others a ghost of a chance. I have seen it happen to some of those I hold dear. You and your nephew will both be in my prayers. Elizabeth P.S. I was so touched by this I had to print it and add it to my collection. I hope you don't mind. *hugs* "Boys and girls together, me and Mamie O'Rourke Tripped the light fantastic on the sidewalks of New York." |
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AngelSamsMom Junior Member
since 1999-09-17
Posts 10Seattle, WA, USA |
excellent and well said, you give true meaning that many dont ever see, even tho these people have a drinking problem, they are still special, as you can see that with you and your nephew, ill keep him and your family in my prayers.... My heart will go on, my tears I will cry, My laughter will fade, but for all this I do for the love of Sammy |
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RainbowGirl Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023United Kingdom |
Elizabeth: I bet a few tears were shed on hearing this...such a waste of love and laughter to not be able to share...beautiful! HUSG Don't ask me where I'm going, just listen when I'm gone and far away you'll hear me singing softly to the dawn. |
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Elizabeth
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871Minnesota |
Another one I am bringing back up to the top. |
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Elizabeth
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871Minnesota |
As this was lost during the move I once again add to my library. |
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