Dante’s Wake

Jerry Reynolds

As the coroner drove away with Dante,
Carina closed the door. Abandoning herself
to the hollow that was engulfing her
she began to weep with wild abandonment.
Matters not how expected death is untimely.

fierce brightness
take all over acheron
soul for hades

  • Author: Jerry Reynolds (Offline Offline)
  • Published: December 27th, 2020 09:29
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 41
Get a free collection of Classic Poetry and subscribe to My Poetic Side ↓

Receive the ebook in seconds 50 poems from 50 different authors Weekly news

Comments6

  • orchidee

    Good write Jerry.

  • Robert Southwick Richmond

    I don't know of any "Carina" in Dante Alighieri's writings - do I have the wrong Dante? - Carina is the Latin word for the keel of a ship - the contellation Carina was one of the smaller constellations the overlarge constellation Argo was broken up into. It's used metaphorically in anatomic terminology - the carina is the place where the trachea divides into the two main bronchi.

    • Jerry Reynolds

      Mine was a neighbor, his wife was devastated.

      • Robert Southwick Richmond

        I think I'd change both names, if only for the sake of their privacy. But Dame Ocupacyon gonna gitcha:
        >>The Goddess of Fame, according to Skelton’s Garland of Laurell, employs a registrar called Dame Ocupacyon; when one brings her a poem, it is she who decides whether to enrol it in the public records. “Dressed in Susan-coloured satins” will not pass for scrutiny. Dame Ocupacyon knows many Susans. - Robert Graves

      • 1 more comment

      • Neville



        ... that's one hell of a wake sir ...

      • Goldfinch60

        This resonates with me Jerry as in two days time it is the first anniversary of my wife's demise.

        Andy

        • Jerry Reynolds

          If it caused you any stress Andy I am truly sorry.

          • Goldfinch60

            No problem Jerry, writing brings both joy and sorrow to us all.

            Andy

          • Samer Amin

            In spite of the horrific tragedy of this ordeal, I feel a strong pulse of admiration for his faithful wife, I wish I could find someone who would feel sorry for me whether I am alive or not.

            • Jerry Reynolds

              patience
              She will find you
              Women do the choosing
              Men do the dancing

              • Samer Amin

                Yes, that's right. They usually choose men, maybe that's what Charles Darwin alluded to in his theory of Natural Selection, and the survival of the fittest.

              • L. B. Mek

                so many different elements to highlight in your perfectly measured dedication Jerry, but for me - in my naïve attempt to grasp at what hopeful tone I can excavate:
                'fierce brightness
                take all over acheron'
                are the words I gravitate towards, that image of unyielding fierce loyalty - penetrating, that most bleak of rivers to let all know: at least this one boat harbours a love so intense, even its final passage glows defiantly bright,
                just as those heart's it leaves behind with a shard of itself - imbued: so unshakeably-tight...

                • Jerry Reynolds

                  Thanks, L.B. Have a Happy New Year



                To be able to comment and rate this poem, you must be registered. Register here or if you are already registered, login here.