Awoken from a sound sleep
To the ringing of a cell phone. Late enough in the morning Not to expect the worst. An unfamiliar voice crackles Through a poor connection. Hysterical, her words are not Quite clear, or I’m still groggy. “What?” I shout into the phone Because I think she can’t hear me. “Your Dad was killed last night!” Suddenly the connection was clear. My brain heard the message, Though I must have been dreaming. The phone call continued for a brief moment of time, but… Silence had overtaken my world. A shock had kept me in my nightmare. The house was empty and only My voice could be heard as I paced aimlessly. This wasn’t the first call with this news. Years prior, there was another. As I sat in a rocking chair, I felt a disturbance in my soul. I knew my family was feeling sorrow, I was certain when the phone rang. “Your Dad is being rushed to the hospital,” My cousin said, and I hung up the phone. Half way through the ride to the hospital, A calmness took over my body. I said to my wife, “He’s gone.” Not a tear was shed, perhaps, Because, peace he had found. Heads were all dropped as I arrived, Confirming the calmness felt. My emotions erupted as reality Set in, he was gone from our lives. I wasn’t present for my Dad’s Moments of death. They have since reached for me To communicate their peace. Their Earthly sufferings are over. They have found happiness and comfort. The chapters of their lives will carry on In the generations that follow. Their stories have no ending, this poem is proof. They are with me now and always.
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Touch what needs healing.
Hold what has meaning. Listen to a cry for help. Speak only of experience. Follow the trail of poverty. Lead on a path to nourishment. Read to gain knowledge. Write to give inspiration. Live on the edge of existence. Love to fuel an eternal flame. Can you keep a secret?
I’ve kept one for years. This secret is mine. I own it. I’m not willing to share With anyone. My secret is vaulted In my heart. My best friend, my wife Might have an idea. She might catch me Thinking about my secret. She might observe me Daydreaming, lost in my secret. She’ll now wonder, What is his secret? If she asks, I’m not sure I’ll share. I have only one secret. This secret is mine. After sliding on my sunglasses,
I tip toed through the powdery white beach sand To the Gulf shoreline, Gazed at the tropical blue waves And smiled. I had found my peace. |
Robert Stanhope
Writer and photographer. Archives
October 2023
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