Elegy
by Joani Reese
Like sinews stretched until they snap, I finally reach that no return.
I banish man-child from my home, and toss his troubles to the curb
as rage cements his fisted heart that once fluttered beneath my own.
A hardened man, he won't admit rash choices formed his bitter life,
and if he ever loved someone, his mirrored body sat that throne.
I finally extract my life, aware he'll never own his fate; he'll stumble
forward, fall alone, his troubles blamed on everyone. How strange to think, innocent, young, he was my laughing, blue-eyed son.
Each angry man leaps from a boy tempered by existential harm.
Embracing hate, his ire thrums, this one who never caught the ring, nor sang a song, nor loved someone.
A frightened boy dwells in this man who claims he can control the storm; he'll realize, but far too late, he's just another wind-tossed pawn.
Drug ravaged, drunken, stumbling on, a sunken wraith, an eidolon, his threnody's a sorrow song, a dirge lamenting damage done.
All kindness gone, he's flown apart, a puzzle piece lost in the dark. I stand detached and mustn't grieve his leaving or lie to the truth.
I have no time for a fresh start, prepare for years missing that heart that once beat softly, safe beneath my own.
05/31/19
"and if he ever loved someone, his mirrored body sat that throne."
oof
One gem among many. This hurts to read, but is far too beautiful to look away. *
Courageous, wise, and wrenching, Joani. You've crafted fine art from unimaginable pain.
Beautifully crafted. Very moving.
*****
Each angry man leaps from a boy tempered by existential harm.
This is profound.
You've said some remarkable words. It certainly reads like non-fiction, and if it is, I am sorry for your loss. *
Terribly sad. So beautifully written.
Disappointment in one's offspring leading to disillusionment with the meaning of one's life. A theme worthy of something so amazingly good.
"Each angry man leaps from a boy tempered by existential harm." - Good poem.
This line, wow!"Embracing hate, his ire thrums, this one who never caught the ring, nor sang a song, nor loved someone."
All the other lines, wow, too. But especially like this one *
Strong beautiful aching poem. Send it to me for Writing in a Woman's Voice if you want? *
Beate -- It's yours. Thanks to everyone who starred and commented. I appreciate you. Hi, Sam. xoxo
Fantastic and so sad, JP. I know most of this story IRL and Love hearing your poetry, reading it aloud once again. Miss you, friend!
when I thought it was about an ex, it didn't hit my sweet spot. Once I saw it was a mother's child, money shot. *
Brave as it gets.
Brava! and chapeau.
yes 17. * just yes
*, Joani. Superbly written expression of a tough, but finally a final, brave decision to let go.
Beautiful.
Thank you. After great pain, a formal feeling comes.
Echoing what others have said--beautiful but tough to read, art from pain. *
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