Twenty six years ago this moment,
you opened your blue eyes
looked up at me and died.
It was that simple.
You died.
I lived.
It was that simple
That moment sliced my life
clear from the future we planned,
Stranded me alone on uncharted ground.
I have always believed that there are definitive moments in our lives, which slice through everything that went before: the death of a child or husband can cause a small death in the one who lives on. I am very moved by this poem. Thank you for sharing it with us on Real Toads.
ReplyDeleteYes, you got exactly what I felt Kerry, that there are definitive moments in life that slice it seperate. Thank you.
DeletePowerful poem, Victoria. You wrote about a demarcation line there is no crossing. One on one side, the other on the other side. No way to cross between. Your poem struck me strong today, as you would know it would. One year ago. I never thought about death quite this way. Hopefully someday, in another life, there will be no lines once again!
ReplyDeleteThank you Mary. I knew this one would hit you hard and almost didn't post it for that reason, but you are a lover of truth and it was my truth - one on one side and one on the other. I do hope with you that there will be another life in which those lines no longer exist.
DeleteOh, Victoria- I feel your pain that no amount of years having passed can erase. This is so touching. Thanks so much for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteI liked the simplicity of the lines which carried so much of depth, love and pain.
ReplyDeleteWonderfully written, Victoria. :)
Oh my goodness. This cut straight through to my heart this morning. From the form to the words - especially the repeated "It was that simple." - just a beautiful slice of pain. Well done. And many thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the form and repetition worked for you De. I was experimenting with that, don't do much with shape poems in general. Thank you for the feedback, and also for the thoughts and prayers.
Deletethat slicing moment is really cruel.....you really bring that punch in the lines.......
ReplyDeleteWow, Victoria. This is one of the strongest poems I have seen lately. It's simplicity is perfect and makes the message so strong. Love to you as you remember.
ReplyDeleteThank you Peggy. this is high prasie from you whose judgement of poetry I really respect. And thank you for the love.
DeleteSimple yet powerful lines. There are moments that indeed sliced us and death is one of those events that forever changes us.
ReplyDeleteCheers and hugs to you ~
oh, gulp. wow. so sharp, so many years later. of course. xo
ReplyDeleteWow, powerful words here.
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you.
Benjamin
Oh my, Victoria, this is powerful and ever so poignant. Such an elegant poem, so pure and honest.
ReplyDeleteSliced is such a perfect word for the pain of the moment that changed everything, Victoria.
ReplyDeleteSo perfectly poignant, Victoria.
ReplyDeleteIts really touching.
ReplyDeleteSo simple but really powerful.
Mustve been a tough experience!
"You opened your blue eyes..."
ReplyDeleteThese words chill me. This little bit of information takes a sad moment and gives it life, vitality, just before death. Truly, I have goosebumps.