Leaving The last Lines Open

(about a poem I have written but not completed)

My friend for many, many years,

since we modelled ourselves in the sixties

on Brigitte B, blonde beautiful and chic,

A French belle magnifique.

She has asked me to pen a poem,

for her funeral.

She is dying from that disease

which has taken a host from me.

She is dying from the disease 

I conquered fifteen years ago.

We have walked the same path,

we have laughed the same laugh

we have partied, we have travelled

both in time and abroad.

I am touched by her request,

that she thinks that I above all poets

can best capture her spirit.

Yet at the back of my mind

I find I can not complete the final two lines.

For to do so would be tempting fate

and I can't quite contemplate

her leaving, even though my grieving

is already under way.

Reviews

[Ted Kniffen]

There is no need for a final two lines in my opinion, Chris. This stands on its own as a fine tribute to your friend.
Leaving the poem as it is I think is a way of saying 'our journey together is not over"

As painful as it was to write, you have penned the perfect eulogy.

and 'sorry for your loss' is never enough...but it is all we can offer.

[Chris Shaw]

This wasn't meant to be an eulogy Ted, but I am pleased you think it could pass as one. I have penned another poem, but will complete the final two lines, when I think the time is right. I appreciate your thoughtful response.

Chris

[grimfukle]

It is always sad to say goodbye to lifelong friends.
I do not envy you this task to complete, but I know you will do your friend justice.
Thank you for sharing this heartbreak.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your understanding. I know when the time comes, I will be able to complete the two final lines.

Chris

[Gee]

It is not goodbye unless finished, so leave as be with your words being a gentle kids on the forehead, a "see you later"
Don't know what to say, to sad for words.
Hi Christine, hope you are well.

[Chris Shaw]

Sad situation. Not easy, but as you get older, you have to expect that there will be more goodbyes. When the time is right, I will finish my unpublished poem.

Chris