Breakfast of the Dead

A road to nowhere.

Carefree breakfast hotel service,

dreaming of future aspirations,

determining our world and how

we would imprint, giving our best;

All in the line of duty and survival,

our most optimistic thinking,

not knowing the difficulties,

even within ourselves;

Enough to warn each other of potholes,

wounds that could cripple us,

storms ahead that rain on good and bad alike,

equal opportunity demons and ghosts,

bringing out our inner darkness,

encouraging us to slay each other,

making enemies of lovers,

competitors in the game of survival,

until one or both were no longer,

and we could see one another,

across adjacent tombstones.

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

The theme of this offering seems to be the effect of experience upon idealism. It begins with two friends, or maybe lovers, enjoying breakfast. That it is a breakfast links it to beginnings and the idealistic exuberance of youth. As the poem develops, however, it becomes evident that this is a reflection of one of life's veterans looking back with some bitterness on the pitfalls and batterings of which the youths were unaware. The speaker paints a grim picture indeed, to the point where we see that he may be irremediably scarred by the losses of hope he has endured. This is somber reading, but it can be seen as a cautionary tale. Hopefully some young person might be warned, but not defeated, by what may wait ahead. Very thoughtful, provocative piece here.

[Patrick Ramsey]

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. I appreciate the feedback very much.

[Coyote Poetry]

A powerful poem. I been to the large graveyards of Europe and the small one's in Michigan. They make you feel sadness. We learn. The cost of freedom. I liked how you allowed the reader to feel and understand the words and thoughts. A strong ending to a outstanding poem.
Coyote