GONE

grieving

GONE

 

I awaken at 6 o’clock, just as dawn is breaking

Although still quite woozy, I peek out of the window to view a splendid sunrise with hues of purple, orange, and a tinge of yellow inviting the sun to stir shortly

I still grieve the loss of Henry, his body cold and gray by now

I shall dress and have some tea before I depart for the hospital

Shall I call Edward to pick me up? Sometimes I have second thoughts about his manner

I muse for a moment and the decide it is fine to call him

He arrives shortly after my tea and scone

 

He politely greets me with my name and opens the cab door for me to step in

Along the ride to the hospital, I am mute

Reluctant to speak as I still grieve

Edward senses my mood and is quiet

Yet he insists upon gazing at me through the rear-view mirror

How am I to surmise this gesture?

Oh well, I must not fuss with it

 

Here I am at the Hospital

I kindly pay Edward

We smile at each other as he closes my cab door

I thank him and he tips his cap and wishes me well

 

Now I am in the Doctor’s  reception room awaiting my call

To step into his office

This doctor, as I discern, is  a dignified official in the army

He is British an has a full-blown accent, yet I grasp his speech

Suddenly my name is called and I follow the nurse into the doctor’s office

He has a smile on his face, nought on mine

I reveal that I am quite upset about Henry’s demise

The doctor explains that heart attacks after a long convalescence are not unusual

He speaks the words of sorrow

As I wipe a tear from my eye

The doctor continues to advise that his body will be shipped in a coffin to his brother in America

I have no more words to say

I thank him , turn to the door and leave

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reviews

[Mauricio Montoya]

Betty someone who you care. for my heart goes ou for what you have lost no matter what they held its a badge of what we embrace inside.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you M... happy holidays!
Warmly, B

[Mauricio Montoya]

Merry Christmas Betty

[Neville]

I am near lost for words .. This is sadder than sad even .. Neville

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Neville, I'm sorry it broke your heart... a heartfelt review!!
Warmly, B

[Lorry]

Yes. I completely agree with RBK's review and that numbness at not only the loss felt, but the numbness that normality has the front to carry on as if nothing has happened.
I remember leaving the hospital early Sunday morning after my dad died and I realised I had to get home and lock myself away for a while, as early morning deliveries were made to shops and shutters rolled up, breaking the silence with nothing more than their normalcy.
People who know don't know what to say to someone who doesn't want them to say anything and just want to press pause and mute until they can lock themselves away in safety until needs must deal with it.
Very well written. I feel their pain.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Lorry, perfect understanding of this episode!
Warmly, B

[redd Brick Keshner]

This poem perfectly captures that deep, quiet sadness where the world just keeps moving while your heart is frozen. The speaker is utterly alone in that whole ordeal: the polite driver and the formal doctor, makes their grief feel so distant and strange. It's an incredible, quiet way of saying: This is what it looks like when your heart is broken, and the world just hands you a receipt. It shows that the deepest grief isn't always the loudest. 🕊️🙏

[Betty Hermelee]

A very thoughtful review Redd, much appreciated!
Warmly, B

[redd Brick Keshner]

Most heartily welcome, B 🕊🙏🏻

[Michael Sun Bear]

Hello Betty, in the face of great grief somehow we cling to the routines of life, the little things that anchor us. I like how you peak out the window, have tea and a scone, debate calling Edward. And it can really hurt to encounter the inappropriate like the doctor smiling at first. Not a happy story, but a well written one.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you always Michael, a very thoughtful review!
Warmly, B

[Ken Simm.]

Such a sad and beautifully rendered series of thoughts during a time of trial . All in all a write that I cannot say I enjoyed but infinitely admired nonetheless.

[Betty Hermelee]

Hi Ken
So good to see you, Thank you for the visit and a lovely personal review!!!
Warmly. B

[Pete]

life goes on. grieving can be a complex thing. you have a way of writing that almost dares the reader to read between the lines. very skillfully told as only you could.

[Betty Hermelee]

What a great comment, skillfully executed!
Thank you Pete!
Warmly, B

[red93]

Ooh sad story B that says much about the nature of bereavement. Aren't hospitals awful places when things don't go well. But a fine piece even so, really Excellent ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for a fine sensitive review, much appreciated
Warmly
B🌷🌷🌷

[Stella Armour]

Not even a funeral to say goodbye....
How sad and excluded she must feel :(

[Betty Hermelee]

Yes, though she knew he would not recover from his amnesia; lovely review Stella, thank you!!!
read moreYes, though she knew he would not recover from his amnesia; lovely review Stella, thank you!!!
Warmly
B😊🎈🎈🎈🎈

[Stella Armour]

I feel so sorry for her :(

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I would not appreciate the Doctor's smile. Surely isn't pleasant news for the speaker to hear.
But these days, and this poem is reflective of it. it's all business and no heart.
a pinching sadness to this piece.

[Betty Hermelee]

Yes, there is sadness,but not so unexpected...you always catch the nuances...Thank you J
Warmly, B