Thread: Mon Oncle

Afterwards,
the window chimes sound sad
as I drift off to dream
what I fear might be a black paper sky;
no stars, no moon, no more you.

A nightmare
is disobeyed after the Afterwards.

“You’re here?!
What will the family think, Oncle?”

You chuckle like you always do
when the morbid tickles your fancy.

“Oh, it’s jolly to keep them on their toes!”

We laugh. Just us two in his home.

I ask “Well, who's
ashes are on my mantel?!

Silence.

“And they, your money?”

“I’ll gladly have the family over for dinner,
but for a charge.”

Laughing, laughing, yet again, in the know.

It's faint, now.
Faded, the banter is over.
I wake, smiling.
He makes sure, not even death
will keep him from me.

I kneel on his floor as if in a pew,
sorting through musty papers;
writings, awards, letters, old photographs,
music sheets, precious little items.

One life in five cardboard boxes.
I press and tape.
It all comes to this?

This is no dream.
This is "No!"

The sun was shining, shyly,
that morning;
as if to give respect.
Nothing, no one,
would shine as brightly as he
that day.

I traced his name on the gravestone,
only one tear drop; like a single rose.
A full dozen and more to come in time.

Then a slight wind brushed by.
I imagined I heard the whisperings
of what he once told me.

That life is just the foyer
into the grand ballroom.

I chose a flower
from the array to slip in my hair.

"Mon Oncle, save me a dance."

　
Dedicated to my Uncle and best friend whom I buried two weeks ago. I want to thank my friends, here, who have been of invaluable support.
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　

what I fear might be a black paper sky

I love this line.

Laurie this is heartbreaking and wonderful at the same time. The loss is clearly sharp, and I'm so glad you have such wonderful memories of your dear Oncle. Take care my friend.

Oh, that's beautiful, SilverMoon. And very sad. Liked it a lot.
-cae

Rosie, I pleased that you liked my imagery of "black paper sky". Thank you

Cindy and cae, thank you both. Of course, I was trying to drive home the closeness of our relationship and the profound loss. I've never written a sentimental poem before. This was quite an experience on several levels.

I'm sorry you lost such a wonderful person in your life. The poem showed his personality and your fondness for him. He must have been quite a character. I enjoyed your ONCLE. God bless, Sondra

Laurie, love, the font is a killer, perhaps you should consider something larger. I'm sure John is both pleased and relieved that you finally put your grief into print. That first step is always the hardest, and you've made it admirably. This is a fine tribute to a fine man who cared for you deeply, as you did he. It's beauty truly lies in its honest simplicity, so very sad yet so very hopeful, and I'm sure John is very proud of you. Using the actual dream was sheer genius because your true feelings abound and for someone who doesn't do "sentimental" you've done it smashingly. Not a single nit, love, just a very moved reader holding back tears here and hoping her friend will finally find some piece. Love ya.

Apple, he was a character. Very witty and unpredictable but in the most wonderful ways. So pleased I got the marvelous person he was across. Thank you.

Lisa, you know my journey here and I thank for being there for me every inch of the way. The dream sequence seemed the only route for me to go to get across his personality. You know I go dark with my writing mostly. I had to bring in the light. The spot light on him and of course my loss. The most cathardic poem I will ever write in my lifetime. This I know.

Laurie,

What a lovely tribute. Charming piece. As Gumby said, heartbreaking and wonderful at the same time.

Loved this part and others.

I kneel on his floor as if in a pew,
sorting through musty papers;
writings, awards, letters, old photographs,
music sheets, precious little items.

Thank you, van. Glad you liked that particular stanza. That's is when it really hit me. It was a difficult poem to write but if not for the writing I doubt I'd be able to carry on with more.