When my oldest brother, Todd,
came back for my mom's funeral,
he had this light about him.
His face was a poem.
Sure, he was the oldest, and he
had a healthy-looking tan from the
hot New Mexico sun, working
outside with turquoise, silver,
and bear claws to make
jewelry for the tourists, but there
was more than that.
He was an artist, and all artists have
a fractured ease about things, but he
lit up. Something from the inside
projected out.
He comforted everyone else, we leaned
on him. His eyes oozed serenity.
A few calendars later, when I traveled
back for his funeral, I saw the same
look on a few of his friends' faces.
His wife told me after the service
that Todd had gotten sober years before.
-
Author:
Thomas W Case (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: June 1st, 2025 19:56
- Comment from author about the poem: On my YouTube Channel, I read poetry from my latest book, Sleep Always Calls, available on Amazon. My other books on Amazon are Seedy Town Blues: Collected Poems and It's Just a Hop, Skip, and a Jump to the Madhouse. www.thomaswcase.com
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 43
- Users favorite of this poem: Teddy.15, Tristan Robert Lange
Offline)
Comments7
A lovely poem of transformation in body and soul. Very nice Thomas
Thank you.
Good write T.
Thanks.
Oh my, brings back memories of funerals I've attended. 🌹
Beautiful write
Thank you.
You are very welcome
My dear friend, you will never know how much this means to me. First—your brother feels like me. I know the burden of drinking and the hell it brings. And truly, when one gives it up, there is a glow. As an alcoholic who gave it up over a year ago, I feel that light inside—and I’m sure your brother did too. We were slaves to a demon, and now we are not. That alone is worth glowing over.
Anywho, this poem really touched my soul, brother. Thank you for sharing it. Bravo! 🌹👏
Thank you, my friend. I have over 2 years sober now.
Thank You for sharing this heartfelt poem with us. I am 5yrs sober myself and I know how difficult it is brother.
Thank You for sharing this heartfelt poem with us Thomas. I'm 5yrs sober myself and I know how difficult addiction can be. Dying sober is a tremendous accomplishments.
Thank you, my friend. I have been sober for over 2 years. Congrats.
To be able to comment and rate this poem, you must be registered. Register here or if you are already registered, login here.