When the last have left, and then the silence
And the deathly hors d’oeuvres remain sitting round
Some eyes have wept, some eyes not slept
To put your body into the ground
So here I sit, since all have gone
And ache with numbness, quite lost, forlorn
The light of the Sun is forgotten and hollow
There’s only now, there’s no tomorrow
My loss feigned beauty, with flowers adorned
Kind words were spoken, as all did mourn
Until the last kind flower we saved
Was placed with love upon your grave
So I stare blankly, watch darkness fall
There’s only emptiness, then nothing at all
And as the moon begins to rise
I wait and watch as our time dies
And this is the last one
The last one moment
Until God willing
We meet again
-
Author:
A.H. Browning (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: February 16th, 2025 12:39
- Comment from author about the poem: I saw something today that reminded me of dealing with the loss of a loved family member. Please note that my reference to “deathly hors d’oeuvres” is a nod to the fact that when a death occurs, many people bring food. This is a good thing as when someone is mourning, the gift of food is one less thing to worry about… the food is already there from loving friends. But when everyone is gone and it is just you and the leftovers, it is a stark reminder of reality. There is always so much to do, so many details to take care of to plan for the funeral and deal with the estate in some instances. No time to actually grieve. Not sure how I feel about that, but doesn’t matter as these things are inevitable. Maybe it is good that we have to be occupied with so many details with the death of a parent, brother, sister, spouse, partner or someone who has left you in charge of their estate. When my mom passed from cancer in 2017, I was the last of our immediate family and I had to put my grief aside and plan the funeral and take care of her estate and all the very many things that entails. I do remember sitting alone in her living room, after the funeral and after everyone left. Since my father had passed in 2005 from Parkinson’s complications and with both parents now gone, I felt like an “orphan”. However, life goes on.
- Category: Reflection
- Views: 8
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Comments4
Great write
Thank you for reading and commenting. This is years ago for me, but the emotions of this situation have lingered. Nice to finally put the to words and put them to rest.
You're welcome
A great write about loss. Poignant and heart felt. Yes I agree the formalities are a way of keeping the grieving occupied and processing the grief. In response to your last statement yes we are all orphans in this world.
Thank you for your comments. It is a strange feeling situation.
A very touching and heartfelt write, keeping the grief busy is just delaying the grief, this is written with love and care as they said goodbye.
Thank you for commenting. Much appreciated.
You are very welcome
At times I still feel like an orphan from when my parents passed.. felt alone when they left this world, though I know we’re not alone..
Thanks for commenting.
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