1.00pm the bell tolls
the final call is made
by your empty lungs
to leave the ocean floor
ascend the 13 metres
to surface
to breathe
to live
—
but…
you choose
one more shot
one more chase
one more chance…
—
and it is this decision
this flash of impulse
that now separates
us from you
that rips the fabric
of our lives
that shatters our hearts
and leaves you utterly unreachable
unknowable any longer
just memories to sometimes comfort
and other times taunt
memories that will fade
and blur as time smudges the ink
—
1.00pm Sunday is the time
we will always remember
when your misty head
succumbed to the lure
that maybe you were invincible
unlike other men
when your 21 year old confidence
pushed that bit too hard
and crossed the line
into that other realm
never to return
—
one brief moment of
asserting your strength
so inconsequential to
the rest of the world
but for you
for us
the moment that changed everything
—
And now we wait for 1.00pm
each Sunday as a reminder of
what could have been
what should have been
but no longer is
or ever can be
one simple breath
the difference between life
and this death we all now endure
Poignant mate
Devastating. So, so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful son. Condolences to you and your family.
A powerful and painful meditation Andrew, thanks for sharing your journey with us, we weep with you, mourne with you as we have laughed with you over the years. May your words, help you navigate this painful journey and encourage others who follow in your wake.
WOW@
Hamo, I’ve always been struck by the line in the Suncreen song (Everyone’s Free to Wear Sunscreen) “4pm on some idle Tuesday” – for me it was 5pm on 18 July 2014 and 8pm Monday 22 September 2003 (among others).
Your poetry takes us into your experience of grief and it is sheer gift, and I encourage you to keep writing. Lots of love brother.
A Beautiful poem to honor your son and his memory. I am so sorry for your loss.
It sums up everything Andrew. You have put into words all that we feel about Sam/ This is sad but very beautiful.