NO MORE LIES

A Poem by Betty Hermelee

a major event....

NO MORE LIES

We dine on duck, green beans and squash

We eat slowly, savoring each morsel, and chat

Christine reveals matters concerning her family

Which I am not familiar with

She informs me about her ex-lover and how he mistreated her

I ingest all the gory details and attempt to comfort her

She seems to be in a fine place now, after many visits to her therapist

We toast once more to better times

It seems we both require a sip

Suddenly, the telephone rings in the sitting room

Christine scurries to answer it

I wonder

cannot hear the conversation, too far away, merely muffled sounds

a few minutes pass and now I worry for her

she returns with an anguished-looking face

I query her promptly, I worry

She does not respond straight away

Her face appears pasty

Then, in a very muted voice she reveals that my Henry,

My beloved, has passed away from a sudden heart attack

I turn ghostly, colorless, light-headed, as Christine holds my shoulders tight

I cry a million tears and, in those tears, I whimper that he is such a good man and needed to go back to his family in America, and finally awakens enough to know the only the present time

Poor Henry, he fought for so long, and now he is gone

For endless moments, I am mute

I am in a dark tunnel and cannot see the opening

The hospital doctor informed me of the news by telephone

Dear Christine did not want to upset me to hear it this awkward way

I need not have knowledge of the details

What does it matter now? We sorrowfully had no future

In some bizarre way, fleeting scenes appear before my eyes

Yet, long before, I had already convinced myself that he was dead

And, perhaps that was a mistake

Still, a lie nonetheless, and now the truth emerges to all

I shall return the call to the doctor and advise that I shall be there early morning to discuss details with him

He shall need to know where to send his body and other matters

I shall send a telegram to his brother to advise of his sudden death

His poor brother, his only remaining family

I grab some tissues from my purse to wipe my sullied face

Must strive to gather some sleep tonight, though with difficulty

I believe tomorrow shall be a stressful day

© 2025 Betty Hermelee

My Review

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Reviews

Samuel Dickens

This is a scene you wouldn't want anyone to experience, yet it can never be avoided. One is lucky to have strong family members about to lean on, to cry on, and to offer your own shoulder in response. Memories will be shared, photos passed around, and the world will carry on. This story is well written and powerful.

Posted 1 Month Ago

1 Month Ago

Hi Sam
Glad you enjoyed the episode! Thank you, my friend!
Warmly, B

Pete

sad and telling. very real and relatable people. you have an ability to say a lot with the right-chosen words which speak volumes. you like creating and developing characters and breathing life into them as you knit their sagas. you have an ability to relate what they deeply feel and experience in a casual, matter of fact way.

Posted 1 Month Ago

1 Month Ago

Thank dear Pete for a thoughtful, in-depth review, as you always do!
Warmly
B🌷🌷�.. read more

W. Barrett Munn

You, as many writer's do not, understand how to show your story through details rather than trying to tell us what to think.

Posted 1 Month Ago

1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

1 Month Ago

Thank you Winston, a lovely review!
Warmly
B🌷🌷🌷

Soren

A touching poem of loss and all that goes with it the emotional and practical. Set well with a beginning that is peaceful and delicious surrounded with earthly delights it rapidly moves to the vague muffled unknown and all its mystery and the rapid recognition of what is not wanted to be known but now is. And finally what to do about it. Very nicely penned

Posted 1 Month Ago

1 Month Ago

Thank you Soren; your reviews are always so thoughtful and flattering!
Warmly
B😊

1 Month Ago

You are most welcome Betty

Thomas W Case

Brilliant writing, Betty. Vivid and sharp.

Posted 1 Month Ago

1 Month Ago

Thank you Thomas, much appreciated!!!
Warmly, B

Chris Shaw

Dear Betty, I wasn’t expecting Henry’s demise so soon. It came as a shock. It opens up the story line with new possibilities. Friendships become even more important, a baby who will never know its father. Sad. I admire the detail you pack into your writing and the way you reflect the period you are writing about. Always enjoy reading you. Have a good week.

Chris

Posted 1 Month Ago

1 Month Ago

Thank you dear Chris... my great supporter, you always catch the nuances as well, glad you're enjoyi.. read more

Stella Armour

Oh, thank goodness she was with a friend when she heard the news.

Now she really has to make a fresh start for herself and the baby. a blessing in many ways but still so sad when he fought so hard and long for his life :(

Posted 1 Month Ago

1 Month Ago

You are the best Stella, and thank you for your amazing support and reviews!!! They warm my heart!read more

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201 Views
7 Reviews

Added on November 17, 2025
Last Updated on November 17, 2025

Author

Betty Hermelee

Black Mountain, NC

About

My love of poetry results from my love of art. As a painter I am able to express myself on a canvas. As a poet my words come from my heart, my moods, sometimes sad, mostly upbeat. I like to use vivid .. more..