A mystery

orchidee

What to call this one?

A mystery from some years ago

On this day - 17 years ago now

A person fell to their death

From a balcony abroad

 

If it wasn't so serious

We might say:

'Did he fall or was he pushed?'

No one knows - we'll never know....

An open verdict at the Coroners

 

I think of you, C.F.* (*initials disguised)

Whatever happened that day

And however it happened

 

A lovely Funeral Service - spoke of faith, trust, etc

Even all 8 verses of 'Abide with me'

It's not often sung in full

But then a terrible outpouring of grief

Such as I had hardly known before

I didn't stay long at the graveside

I even got snubbed for trying to comfort some

Though I didn't know the friend that well

But not even reaching age 25

 

'Go away; who are you?' some said to me

I explained, but had the thought that they were saying

'Shut up, you ridiculous little man'

 

It was oppressive

They were from a rather 'common' area of town

But their social background is only one factor

A feeling of darkness; an atmosphere of death

Mostly of No Hope

 

I made my own 'closure'

A visit to the graveside on my own

Apart from the nastiness

Some due to grief

But that's no excuse to be plain offensive...

  • Author: orchidee (Offline Offline)
  • Published: August 25th, 2024 01:32
  • Comment from author about the poem: A true story.
  • Category: Reflection
  • Views: 20
Get a free collection of Classic Poetry ↓

Receive the ebook in seconds 50 poems from 50 different authors


Comments +

Comments7

  • Doggerel Dave

    I avoid funerals. For me they mean nothing no matter how close I am/was to the subject. It further should mean nothing to the subject, who has well and truly departed the scene.
    But quite obviously for many it is very significant, the funeral a very important part of the process of what for me is garbage disposal. And incomprehensible, perhaps irrational emotions do run very high.
    You are not still sore after all this time, are you orchi?

    • orchidee

      Thanks Dog. Shall I call you Dog, DD, or what?!
      This 'anniversary' reminds me of the event. I was a bit too familiar though, I admit.
      It's hardly the place to say, in so many words 'Cheer up, it may never happen!' That is crass, but completely a NS thing of Sir Orchi. I never said that though - honest! (ooh!).

      • Doggerel Dave

        Confused as ever - 'name's Dave.

        • orchidee

          Shall I call you Doggerel?! lol

          • Doggerel Dave

            Demonstrably you aren't too put down now - your frivolity is quite revealing orchi.

            • orchidee

              It's escapism I suppose. I revert to NS - talking rubbish. Some say 'No change there then!' Aww.

            • sorenbarrett

              Orchi this is a vast departure from your regular writes and seems as if it were another person altogether. Dark and sad, mysterious and unresolved.

              • orchidee

                Thanks SB. I assumed everyone there had faith or belief of some sort - maybe they didn't? Hope it's not distressing for you, though it was a dark atmosphere after the service.

              • Bella Shepard

                You pour out your caring heart in this poem my friend. Grief can bring out the worst in some, but your words of comfort were deeply meant, and those who snubbed are the unfortunate ones.

                • orchidee

                  Thanks Bella. I don't like saying it, but they were rather a 'common' lot. Not that I got go round with me nose in the air, looking down on everyone else.

                • Cassie58

                  This was sad to read. Such an unkind memory of a funeral for a lost friend who was so young. The fact that it has stayed with you all these years, tells a story of the hurt you felt, when you also were hurting. A most poignant write Orchi.

                  • orchidee

                    Thanks Cassie. I don't brood on it, but remember it on the sad 'anniversary'.

                  • Tony36

                    Sad but a beautiful write

                    • orchidee

                      Thanks Tony.

                      • Tony36

                        You're welcome

                      • Dan Williams

                        It was the Butler in the dining room. I like the form.

                        • orchidee

                          Thanks Dan.

                        • Goldfinch60

                          Good words Orchi, we each find our own way of dealing with the death of friends and family, I am sure you were right in finding your own way to say goodbye to your friend.

                          Andy

                          • orchidee

                            Thanks Gold.



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