My Brother Alvin

I saw the macabre, papier-mâché body lying on the gurney,
whose intellectual mind once enjoyed philosophy and music.
I touched the hands that once turned the pages of many books.
Now, his emaciated shell lay cold and empty.

 

The funeral director asked me about an open casket,
showing missing teeth, hair and sunken cheeks.
I said no; no one would remember him this way,
drained of love, life, mind and spirit.

 

I didn’t go to the viewing; my brother wasn't there.
I felt joy. He was now free; he wanted to be.
Parkinson’s Disease made him stiff and useless,
bedridden, hand-fed, and now... dead.

Author's Note

Alvin Died in 2003 from Drug Induced Parkinson's Disease. He was 64.

Reviews

[Jacqueline]

Heartbreaking! I feel for you and can't help but feel angered by the coroner's question about an open casket. I assume (correct if wrong) that if he or she couldn't work their magic to transform the departed back to their former beauty or handsomeness that a suggestion (tactfully) would be made for a closed casket. (Sigh) Your emotions flowed through and showed vulnerability as well as strength on such a trying day.

[zainul]

I believe he is resting in peace now.
I appreciate you for the amazing way you described Alvin when he was alive.
His love for books,philosophy and music has been portrayed elegantly in the poem.
Lastly,your joy to see free Alvin is really really very genuine.
Congratulations for being so respectful and responsible for your brother Alvin.

[Ama May Cooper]

Tremendous. Filled with an honest sadness but an uplifting happiness aswell. A heartbreaking tale told with a stiff and disconnected air.
I am very sorry to hear of this dreadful news, so brilliantly presented to us through your writing. My wishes are with you and your family

[Deborah Leah Krempa]

I am so sorry for your loss. You have written a very sad heartbreaking poem. Wonderfully penned. Thank you for sharing. Debileah

[Albert Freeman]

Sorry you had to go through that. I can only imagine how I'd feel if I lost one of my brothers. The good thing that came out of his death was at least he is free now. Free to move on in spirit and hopefully to something much better.