Coffin full of hate
Coffin full of emptiness
You lived your life as a crucible
They all feel pain for you now
But they don’t know
Who you really were
I was there
When your spirit left
I felt it fly away
It blew through me
Like an ice cold wind
Casket borne
Peaceful now
They line up
To take a glimpse
I view you not the same as them
For I knew your pitiful walnut heart
And even if I must conceal it
They won’t catch me crying
Softness for you?
It need not seek haven in my heart
There’s no place for it
You hid your face
From all but me
Projecting a facade
For them to see
You are no more to me now
Than I was to you then
Nothing...
------------
another very old one...
.
Coffin full of emptiness
You lived your life as a crucible
They all feel pain for you now
But they don’t know
Who you really were
I was there
When your spirit left
I felt it fly away
It blew through me
Like an ice cold wind
Casket borne
Peaceful now
They line up
To take a glimpse
I view you not the same as them
For I knew your pitiful walnut heart
And even if I must conceal it
They won’t catch me crying
Softness for you?
It need not seek haven in my heart
There’s no place for it
You hid your face
From all but me
Projecting a facade
For them to see
You are no more to me now
Than I was to you then
Nothing...
------------
another very old one...
.
That's really sad.
ReplyDeletePowerful, Pat. You write beautiful poetry.
ReplyDeleteThat is written from a very open heart, and one full of mixed emotions I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteOr not?
It's a sad way for it to end....wishing it would have been a different scenario for you.
It may be old, but still very powerful Pat.
ReplyDeleteouch!
ReplyDeleteouch!
ReplyDeletewow. that's a whole lot of bitterness and pain. I hope this isn't autobiographical Pat. but then, even if it is...it's clear you've moved on. we've each of us carried around a few heavy suitcases of junk and doesn't it feel oh-so-good when we know it's alright, it's time...we can leave them sitting by the side of the road? have a beautiful day my poet friend.
ReplyDeleteAnother fine poem Pat.
ReplyDeleteWow, another touching poem. We're like that as people. We act one way with strangers but our families know who we really are and sometimes the reality isn't pretty. Nice.
ReplyDeleteAnother powerful one....
ReplyDeletePatrick, this could have been written about a person I know. The words reaches me, and I think it's well written.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing strong words my friend.
Greetings and a warm hug,
from Berit.
Again, very well done. I love how deep they are.
ReplyDeletewow. very telling, Pat. thanks again!
ReplyDeleteAlex - thanks Alex!
ReplyDeleteCake Betch - thanks so much!
Dawn - There were some mixed emotions. The kind that come from not wanting things to be the way they were. I wish it could have ended differently also, but that just couldn't happen.
Nat - thanks Nat!
Budd - It was an ouch back in the day, much water under the bridge now.
Miss Becky - It is about me and my mom. I've dealt with it all over the years (with some help) and it has no real impact on me now. Or at least not as much... thanks Becky!
Oilfield Trash - thanks so much!
Clarissa - My mom was a master at it. Even those who seemed to "like" her were intimidated or manipulated into doing so. thanks!
Bossy Betty - Thanks Betty!
Berit - Thanks! Strong feelings usually lead to strong words. Stay warm!
Baby Sister - Thanks so much! Deep feelings.
diane - My pleasure! thanks!
I don't know how you express pain so eloquently but you do, Pat. xoRobyn
ReplyDeleteI was startled by the tears this one drew. I didn't even know they were there. Your art is so stark and evocative that I often feel like I am bearing witness to something I shouldn't be seeing. Tremendous piece. Absolutely tremendous. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteVerses hitting like bullets.
ReplyDeleteThank you Patrick.
Costas
sad, heartfelt and powerful
ReplyDeleteThis one says so much, really strong feelings. Nicely done Pat. Totally understand this one. ;-)
ReplyDeleteSometimes looking back clears ones vision of tomorrow.
ReplyDeletewow, great piece. love the walnut heart.
ReplyDeleteAww this is so sad. And so honest of you. It must take some courage to be so open and honest about your feelings back then.
ReplyDeleteI hope it was a healing process for you to write this, Pat.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure nothing will ever take away all of the youngens pain.. but hopefully it will wane with age.
be well, be happy
Pam
Deep and sad poem, while beautiful.Saludos
ReplyDeleteYour poetry is evocative Pat. If it's autibiographical, I am sorry, but glad you have overcome early troubles.
ReplyDeleteHere is a link to the RV resort website (you asked a question about it in a comment)http://www.upriver.com/index.html
(Hope the link will work).
Your words are a heavy dark blanket thrown over me.
ReplyDeleteI cry and get no air.
The truest words go to our hearts.
Powerfully emotional.
Sincere and deep feelings, a beautiful poem.
ReplyDeletePat you have a real talent for this as I have said for some time. Very intense and powerful. I had to read it a couple of times.
ReplyDeleteI remember reading this one somewhere before, maybe on one of Rabbit's sites? It's so sad, heartbreaking. Perhaps cathartic to get the feelings out?
ReplyDeleteThis very much struck a cord in me because there is something familiar about it.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant work, Pat.~
This unlocks so many emotions for me.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to this so easily.
An event 20 years ago when my father
passed.
Catharsis through poetry, excellent therapy, I'm a firm believer.
ReplyDeleteAn infinity of sadness, this is not how it was meant to be, just the way it was.
Wow. You know that I've said a lot of poetry, I don't really "get"....and therefore, it often loses me after the first line or two. (What can I say...short attention span?)
ReplyDeleteThis, however....spoke volumes. I get it. I feel you....and I feel for you. What a powerful piece of writing. *hugs*
So very powerful, Pat. My heart aches everytime I think of what she missed in knowing the wonderful you that you are. It certainly was HER loss....
ReplyDeleteSad but well crafted poem.
ReplyDeleteNancy
N. R. Williams, The Treasures of Carmelidrium, Special .99 through April 30
It's amazing how the echos of your past fuel such captivating writings.
ReplyDeleteRaw emotion, but I'm not sure I believe that she is no more to you than you were to her then. Can someone with so much heart evident in his writing close off emotions? This one is pretty powerful!
ReplyDeleteRobyn - Lot's of practice!
ReplyDeleteRabbit - Thanks so much Micael! I appreciate the nice words. When people actually "feel" what we write, that's the payoff...
I used to write about this stuff, but you are right, NOBODY was allowed to read it, or even hear about it. I had to get over it, before that could happen. Thanks again!
Naturedigital - Hope you had a bullet proof vest on! thanks Costas!
becca - Thanks so much becca! I appreciate it...
Talei - Thanks Talei! I appreciate the nice words.
Brian - That is so true! I had to look back a lot...
Lynda - Thanks so much Lynda! That's what the lady had...
DiamondsOMS - My therapy than courage! I had a lot of it! thanks!
Pam - I'm happy to say that the pain is pretty much gone. It took a long time to be able to say that. Most of my life in fact.
Leovi - thanks so much Leovi! Saludos!
Sallie - Hey, doesn't kill you, makes you dysfunctional! thanks for the wesite! I appreciate it!
OWT - Whew! thanks so much for feeling this. I TRULY appreciate the fact that you did...
Chuck - Thanks so much my friend!
Also, thanks for supporting me here for so long!
Lolamouse - thanks Lola! I posted it here a long time ago and got two comments and from my 4 followers. I've pretty much got all the feelings out on it. But I can pick the scab every once in a while if I need to get to that place.
Katsidhe - thanks so much! If it struck a chord, then we are in tune!
faye - Sometimes we need them to be unlocked, let 'em air out for a while! Otherwise things sit there and fester...
Owen - It sure has worked for me! that and many years of therapy! thanks so much Owen!
Marlene - Well then, I REALLY appreciate that you get it. Thanks my friend...
Joan - Thanks Joan! She probably looked at it as a victory. I was male, therefore, I was the enemy...
N.R. - thanks so much!
Jesse - Yeah, I have a whole pile of dark and gloom and pain to inspire me! I'm happy to say that I don't dwell there, but I can get to it if try very hard... Thanks Jesse!
#1nana - I had to turn the emotions off because it was dangerous to have them. Or at least it was dangerous to show them! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteI read it without knowing it was about your mother. It left me puzzled but with an uncomfortable 'glug' feeling inside. Having read the comments and replies, the pictures which come from the words are clearer but there's a smoothing of the edges too. It's a poem that is much richer for knowing a little of its context.
ReplyDeleteLucy
Your words and the way you use them, speaks volumes!
ReplyDeleteI've missed you!
"For I knew your pitiful walnut heart.."
ReplyDeletePowerful words about someone who is unfeeling and hard.
Strong poem , Pat!!
PS I have an award for you on my blog, Pat :-)
ReplyDeletePowerful and sad.
ReplyDeleteThis is very powerful, and ever so sad. Sometimes writing poetry allows some of that pain to unlock... I hope writing these words helped you in some way.
ReplyDeleteLucy - Thanks Lucy! I could probably make it all clearer if I posted some of the family stories gain. Some of them are pretty long and I don't want to make people read all that. I'm going to think about it though...
ReplyDeleteMs A - HEY THERE!!! I miss you also! I just checked your blog yesterday or the day before, to see if you had posted something!
. - .! Now that's an interesting name. thanks so much (L)! Unfeeling and hard, that's the nicest thing I've ever heard about my mom...
Nat - thanks so much Nat! I've already been over by now!
Ree - Thanks! This is one I had to try and "recreate" after all my writings were lost. I think the original had more anger in it!
Jayne - I agree! I really don't write much about "happy." I'm more of a dark-side person overall anyway. It does still help though. thanks!
ouch
ReplyDeleteI love the notion of a walnut being like a coffin. Dark and delicious.
ReplyDeleteWow. Creepy and powerful. Wondering if this is based after a real person.
ReplyDeletebaygirl - It sure was at the time!
ReplyDeleteTess - Thanks Tess! I appreciate it!
Cheeseboy - It was indeed! The dead one was my mom and the "I" one was me... Thanks!
Pat-- Thanks for sharing such a vulnerable and painful area of yourself. I guess that had to be about your Mother? Sorry If I'm wrong, but I kinda know how much pain she left you with.
ReplyDeleteHugs my Friend. You Sir, are the real deal!
John---and Proud to call you a Friend!!!!
Hi Pat, We are home from a short trip to celebrate G's birthday... I'll share photos soon...
ReplyDeleteGuess what we found when we got home?????? SNOW here... Gads---guess ole man winter is not finished with us yet...
That poem was about you and your mother. Right???? I think it's good that you can write and get your feelings out through your poetry...
Betsy
Very heavy poem and so sad. Look forward, not back!
ReplyDeleteWow.. thats heavy man.. I can guess who it's about.
ReplyDeleteA good poem. And cathartic I guess..?... It's a great forum for exploring the darker emotions..
I'd like to say well done, but doesnt seem appropriate.. Its well written nevertheless...Sorry that you feel that way.
John - Yep, it was my mother! Thanks so much John, I really appreciate it...
ReplyDeleteBetsy - Can't wait to see your photos! Snow? Again? Wow... thanks Betsy!
Marguerite - Thanks Anthony! I agree about poetry being a great vehicle to express things. I feel great now! Water under the bridge.
I guess it was probably about your mother. I read through the comments & replies so as not to have to ask. This is not only powerful in its sorrow but beautiful in its anger.
ReplyDeleteVery moving. You are a talented poet. It made me think of my husband when he went to his step-father's funeral. He said, "I just wanted to make sure he was dead."
ReplyDeleteYour poetry is so honest and moving, Pat. I hope you continue to share it. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThe bitterness is there but not in a harsh way...sad, painful yet beautiful...I will definitely remember this one decades later when my ex husband goes away....
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful and sad. Was it cathartic?
ReplyDelete