Saturday, September 18, 2010

Kerry Sullivan

Cliche says all dead husbands are saints.
Truth is, I will never know you sixty,
never see you with paunch or thinned curls,
I have only the man I remember today.
I still have the man I remember today.

You told stories, audiences found you.
You illustrated on napkins, notebooks,
grabbed pencils, examples, metaphors.
You never could read a clock or a map
but memorized books about anything.
You learned languages as if by magic,
never installed a garbage disposal.
You chose me because I argued it is
as dangerous for head to run away with
heart as for heart to run away with head.
I chose you because you held me like
music or a wild bird, because you meant
it when you told me family mattered most.
You hated bullies. Adored roller coaster rides,
found sports boring but loved long walks,
claimed the Texas hill country as heartland,
Lived with passion, died with acceptance.

Cliche says all dead husbands are saints.
Truth is I'll never know you sixty.
Can't know how you might have hurt me.
I have only the man I remember today.
I still have the man I remember today.

Victoria Hendricks
September 18, 2010

16 comments:

  1. Victoria, this is one of my favorite poems of yours, I think. I learned things about Kerry, unique things, things that matter. For example, I hadn't realized he was a story teller... I am glad that you still have the man you remember today.

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  2. This is a breathtaking poem, Victoria. I learned more about your beloved Kerry than I havce known before. What a beautiful, poignant memorial.

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  3. "I chose you because you held me like
    music or a wild bird, because you meant
    it when you told me family mattered most."

    My favorite lines... such a touching and caring poem, Victoria. I will never forget Kerry.

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  4. I chose you because you held me like
    music or a wild bird

    Breathtaking!

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  5. Wonderfully written, and very touching tribute! Thank you for sharing! =)

    -Weasel

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  6. What a tribute to a wonderful man! I love "I chose you because you held me like music..."
    beautiful~
    It evokes, warmth, love, and sadness~
    Very special~

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  7. Thank you all for your warm comments about this poem, one very close to my heart and one I wouldn't have written without your prompt Mary. Diane, it especially touches me that you said you will "always remember Kerry". Judy, you always empathize beautifully with my love and grief poems. Weasel, Ellie, and ninotaziz, it is so good to read your warm comments and to become familar with your work. I look forward to the opportunities offered by Poets' United.

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  8. That was great, it was like a big breakfast...that starts the day off right. So lovely.

    "You chose me because I argued it is
    as dangerous for head to run away with
    heart as for heart to run away with head."

    - Amazing...

    My entry: http://oilunderneath.wordpress.com/2010/09/19/hibiscus/

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  9. So poignant. I am better for having read such a beautiful and loving poem. You sound like a good person.

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  10. Thanks oikunderneath and Square Corner for appreciating my poem. I will enjoy exploring your work too.

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  11. This is a wonderful poem...filled with love, joy and an absence of regret! Sounds like you were lucky to have each other, even if only for a short time...how lovely...:)

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  12. Oh, this is beautiful. I almost feel I know this man from your poem - a great tribute poem. I loved the repetition of lines in the first and last stanzas...

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  13. This is just so beautiful. I could feel your love and the wonderful spirit of someone you shared through your memories and wonderfully written words.

    I was moved and so enjoyed your writing, I shall be back to read more of your posts. :-)

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  14. Just wanted to drop by an peruse your poetry. I found your site through Poets United (assuming you are the link from group 26!)

    You have wonderful clarity of expression, and this poem in particular really struck a chord for me. The devotion here is something I've never experienced personally but always hoped actually existed. Excellent poem and I look forward to seeing more of your poetry.

    crb.

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  15. Thanks crb for visiting and enjoying my blog. I'm off to visit yours.

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