Silence, a Virtue or Not?

(make your own mind up, I wonder what my brother really thought)

I have heard it said, that hearing

is the last sense to depart

before the heart gives way.

That August day, I kept talking,

knowing he was walking close

to the crossroads of no return.

Knowing he was near to parting

and waiting for the sigh of his

last breath.

I didn't pause to rest.

I couldn't stop the waterfall 

of words cascading from my lips,

gentle whispers,

flowing in a stream.

In my grief, I believed my voice

should stay with him, he had no choice.

I wonder what he would have said

about this matter

and the constant chatter

he couldn't escape?

As I held his hand, maybe he would

complain I was nagging him to death,

or maybe he would understand that

I feared his lack of company

on a journey to eternity

without the bond of family.

Reviews

[Carol Cashes]

if he loved you as much as you loved him, the sound of your voice being his last memory on this earth may have eased any fears he may have had--about entering the unknown, but more importantly, it assured him that if you could keep talking, you'd be okay. Now, your "gentle whispers, flowing in a stream." comfort us in your poetry.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Carol for your thoughtful review.

Chris

[duck]

how sad is this. you explain about hearing being one of the last senses to go when close to death but I see from your poetry you do everything you can to ignore this advice and this is driven through love. the tittle of your poem is magnificent because it totally throws on head what your poem is about and this is to confuse the reader into thinking deep about what you are writing about and I personally love and find this a fascinating way of writing poetry. the hold of hand did bring a tear to my eye as this is a sign of love as much as a kiss is which adds to your poetry. enjoyed dissecting your poetry and trying to get into your mind of why this is written and if you have personally experienced this they it is why this poem is written and if you are looking at it objectively then you have a wonderful way of expressing your feelings of leaving someone you love. thank you for sharing this great art Christine.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello duck, another fabulous review from you. This poem is factual. I did what I did on automatic pilot, but about a year later I started to question my actions. I wouldn't change them, but at least I know and understand myself better. Many thank yous.

Chris

[Mrudula Rani]

Silence is golden! is the rule, I doubt if silence is a desired virtue. Your brave send off is heart wrenching and comforting at the same time. I kept imagining your brother's slow departure from here to heaven was made gentle and easy because of your loving voice accompanying him. Your wonderful writings paint scenes of beauty and perfection. Happy new year Chris. Wishing you all the best in 2019.

[Chris Shaw]

Happy New Year Mrudula, hope 2019 is a good one for you. Thank you kindly for your most understanding response. I do believe it is keeping one's mouth shut that is the virtue and that goes back to Victorian times when children were seen but not heard :) Nowadays we say silence is golden. I've never been very good at keeping quiet.

Chris

[moog-drika]

A very normal scenario between people and their loved ones yet you portrayed it with such powerful and vibrant words. It's absolutely incredible.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks mood-drika and Happy New Year to you.

Chris

[moog-drika]

Happy New Year :D

[George David Hope]

I'm sure your Brother knowing you were by his side would have only given him comfort knowing that you were there. And as for constant chatting as you tried to say the many things that you felt needed to be said I think we've all done that. We did it with my Grandfather and my two Grandmothers. It's strange that myself and my daughter were talking about something like this just last night. I believe that even though we lose someone close they can always hear what's being said and can give us small pointers in how to move on with life. Thanks for sharing. Really enjoyed it

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you George. Strange that conversation with your daughter on similar lines. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[Jon Roggie]

He still hears you. Probably visits. It's what my family does!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous Jon. Sending you all good wishes for the New Year.

Chris

[Scott De Buitléi..]

This poem is the reason there should be some kind of Writer's Café Awards. It's so powerful, so accessible, so human. I've no doubt your voice was his greatest comfort, along with your hand in his. I wish I could hug you for writing this moment down so beautifully.

[Chris Shaw]

Your review Scott, is very generous and I thank you for it and for your visit. Happy New Year to you and yours.

Chris

[emmajoy]

You've truly made me stop, sit, wait and wait again before typing. You know how much I understand your words, your wonderfully placed words, simply put because too many emotions would blow the cover we all adopt when sat.sitting, lost in thought, wondering when or not to say yet more.. or less.. Which memory to mention, what moment of a day, when was.. .. sigh.

Sharing this just before the New Year seems right.. somehow. Thank you, dear Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Em, I will raise a glass to brothers this evening. A happier New Year to you.

Chris

[emmajoy]

We'll share a cup of wine, m' dear...

[Tate Morgan]

I understand this very well. I often think Im next in line for the river STYX But its the longing for familiar phrases and feelings Left us now that grants the departed immortality through us.

[Chris Shaw]

Your thoughts and visited appreciated Tate. Happt New Year.

Chris

[DIVYA]

A very touching poem Chris. One that I could relate to deeply as I was beside my dad when he was crossing the threshold. I couldn’t speak to him as he lay unconscious, my voice drowned in the loud beeps and whirs of the monitors and machines. That’s why I feel your brother drew much comfort from your voice and felt your love and caring. It’s a blessing to be able to do that for a passing loved one. Awesome write, my friend.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you DIVYA for your very understanding comments. So thoughtful.

Chris