For Monty Python

When Andy died
on Flag Day
1970
I was 20
How could I know

I would learn
to hold back grief
choking the fire back
until it would rip

Exploding the
walls with banshee
shrieking and howling
terrifying

Consumed with loss
and no one
else to feel the pain
or walk the path

I had to walk
on my own
continuing on
losing my loves

husband, mom and dad
the bodies
began to pile up
at faster rate

Mourning becomes
exhausting
leaving deep wrinkles
where eyes sparkled

Eyes still sparkle
lips still smile
and, for all its risks,
desire persists

My heart craving
going back
for more of the same
I’m not dead yet.

About Sharon

Like anyone who lives long enough, I have experienced great loss and survived. I am convinced that my survival depends on my own participation in creating the reality I am living in, and I am determined to be a thoughtful and active participant/creator. These writings are my way of documenting that creation. As the song goes, "I will survive!" I chose the title Staying Vertical because I find that surviving isn't just staying on my feet physically. Keeping my thoughts and emotions on the vertical plane keeps me alive and moving forward. Thanks for joining me!
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3 Responses to For Monty Python

  1. Raymond Keen says:

    What a sweetly sad, ironic, and uplifting poem. In spite of everything, we persist to exist.

  2. Lisa says:

    This poem…as if you’ve put my heart, my grief, my life into words.

    • Sharon says:

      And you and I both know that that’s what we’re here for: to connect to the joy and pain in those who share this journey on planet earth with us. I’m blessed that you and I have shared a moment or two!

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