The sixteen year old man
Waiting...
Another number in the
long line of life.
Sitting this one out,
in his shiny new legs
on wheels;
replacing walks in
the moonlight of innocence.
The taste of pity,
was bland and
unfulfilling, shrouded
in whispers.
Time will heal, the fractured-
mind will deal
with spoon feedings'
of empathy.
No more miles
to walk, in his shoes.
Years pass as his
Chuck Taylor's bear
the factory tread, still
virginal white of the
dove grounded, with
broken wings.
Spirit of the lion,
lay dormant within
the paralysis, of
the beggars banquet-
toss him a bone,
ever gnawing
at the pit's faith.
The stain remains,
held in years of
wildflowers flowing-
in songs,
and life,
from the grave.
I visit him when I can,
just like today.
The spirit of my brother,
and my father's.
I still see the shiny
chair with wheels,
on the mountain top-
looking down
in the lion's den.
Author notes
Dedicated to the loving memory of Daniel Amburgey
and his struggle in the Lion's Den.
This is a story of my uncle, he was paralyzed in an auto accident at the age of sixteen. He was six months younger than I, and was the only brother I knew. He was always a proud person, wanting help from no one. He was confined to the chair until he died at age nineteen, another auto accident.
He was always full of life, eventhough he had been thrown a curveball. He only asked me for help one time, when we were eighteen, he asked me to take him to an old cable swing in the mountains where we played as boys. I told him it was at least a half mile up the mountain. His eyes filled with tears, as did mine. I carried him on my back to the cable swing. I stood him up and he held on tight as I pushed him.
As he swung across the "holler" some twenty feet or more from the creek below, he was laughing and screaming. I was crying, as I am now. I think I became a man that day, as he became a boy again.
I think of him often, and remember the obstacles he over came. I have used his courage and zest for life many times with my short-comings in life. His death changed so many in my family, but it was his love for life that will long be remembered.
peace my brother
Written September 6th, 2005
In a list
A contest entry
- Brother/Sister by PianoMan.
470 points, ended August 2, 2008, 12 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
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Wow. This is such an amzing piece of poetry. What a wonderful dedication to your "brother". It sounds like even though you guys had a short time together, you always a fun and enjoyed being with each other. Great job!
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You always amaze me. I am so glad that I found you here on AP and became a huge fan and you allowed me to be a friend...It was like finding a rare pearl when searching amidst an ocean filled with oysters...TY for being a friend...
Lynda
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You know I love this poem, Richard. I'm pretty sure you know I love you, too. Thank you for entering with such grace, my Friend. Good luck in the contest, Scribe. 
Wanderer
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this is good and really well written while i didnt understand all of it cuz im only 14 i loved the way it flowed it was a lovely tribute
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A Beautiful Tribute
Your words in this poem and author notes make this one of the most powerful and beautiful pieces of poetry that I have ever read.
It is a wonderful tribute to a very special person. Thankyou for sharing this special poem with me. All my very best wishes from Rose xx
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I'm trying to move you up to the finalist list but keep getting 'unable to edit that contest' hope it can be resolved. dave
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I am sorry for your loss. I have tears in my eyes, but do not worry about me, this lets me know that I can still feel. This is one great poem and your notes makes it hit the heart more.
Blessing be and good luck.
Riftkin
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Very nice:
A beautiful write in memory of someone you loved. You stayed clear of the cliches, and sentimental crap most of us fall into when writing about someone we loved and lost. Little unclear on the spiritual aspect of this, Lions Den, yeah with Daniel and all. I guess it was how the man moved you? thanks for entering: Dave -
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exactly
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Very powerful, I loved it, : 'The taste of pity,
was bland and
unfulfilling, shrouded
in whispers. ' It was just amazing and very emotive, a beautiful write, best of luck
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This was powerful and sad. I could feel this, every bit of it.
I'm sorry I had the prewrite option open, I really had no clue I had it open- I'd like fresh writes for every round of the contest. I'm going to remove this from the contest. Sorry about this- again. You wrote something really great here, and I wanted to at least leave a comment.
I'm look forward to reading your fresh write. Good luck. You're an amazing writer.
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You certainly are busy with all these challenges you are in - isn't that what makes us better writers though? Great tribute here to your uncle. How wonderful that you have these marvellous memories of the things you two did that will serve as poetry inspiration for years to come. Very heartfelt write.
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You did a great job of telling his story, truely heart felt, I have never read a poem like this. You can tell it was a very personal one for you. Thank you for sharing it with such beautiful words it is a great tribute to your brother. I enjoyed seeing him for just a moment
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oh... wow. that was amazing. I read the poem, then your comment, then I went back and read the poem again...and now I think I'm going to cry. Seriously, beautiful poem. I love it.
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What a momument of much mroe than courage, rbavery, more than meanderings into pity. this...this is a piece of poetry that strikes to the bone. it is beautiful and more...that it speaks of the adventurous courage of Daniel...I can imagine him on tht swing....that moment of free flying had to be one of his most awesome experiences.....and yours, my friend..and yours.
May we always remember to carry our brothers on our backs..for moments such as these. This is absolutely a memorable piece. -
Not a drop of pretence in this fine piece Muddy. It's as real as life gets.I'm sure he's smiling back at this and your ablity to voice it with such descriptive lessons instilled in it.Wonderful write Muddy.Ya got soul my friend!~~Suseann
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The taste of pity,
was bland and
unfulfilling, shrouded
in whispers.
Time will heal, the fractured-
mind will deal
with spoon feedings'
of empathy.
Great stuff here and what a story. Wonderful work.
~Mary O -
This is so poignant, well developed, deeply felt, and I am glad I had a chance to read it. Thanks for sharing.
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The taste of pity,
was bland and
unfulfilling, shrouded
in whispers.
Time will heal, the fractured-
mind will deal
with spoon feedings'
of empathy.
these are my favorite lines. i am very sorry to hear what happened to your uncle. i know how hard it is to lose someone. this is a great heart wrenching poem. awsome write -
This story/poem is not only touching but heart breaking. Its so hard for me to comment on such a personal piece that holds many deep meanings and memories..
Thank you for this moving entry..most importantly thank you for sharing it with all of us..
take care and know that your brother looks upon you everyday~ -
Wow. This is so.... I can't think of words to describe it. The story and the poem... just... thank you.
.
Chase -
How very awesomely beautiful and touching this is! It's hard to read when tears are flowing like a river down my face but know that this piece touched me beyond description! Wow! Awesome and beautiful!
Thank you for sharing this with me; I feel quite honored and privileged that you did!
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This is so beautiful and touching...I can't begin to set my comments apart from the others....thank you so much for sharing this piece....and sharing your memories of your beautiful "brother"
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god, this one spears me through the heart. i am in tears after reading your personal comment. we live all our lives and our feeble attmepts to let others know how much they give to us, i can say this has given me deepest love for a soul i never met, your brother/uncle. at 18, the two of you going to that cable swing and you taking him on your back. this is so lke my own son would do. i can hear the laughter, see your eyes as you watched him. it seems this moment in time is frozen in my mind now, a capsule of love. god love you for your spirit and your memories, live on and rejoice in life and love, you are a remarkable young man, with such a beautiful soul.
rebeka
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really a beautifully written poem Muddy. this is my first read of it here on AP and I'm glad I was given the chance by this contest to come across it. it's so much more than an eloquent tribute to your uncle/your brother...
Jo -
Muddy, thank you. I want to smile at the beauty of this , and cry at the same time.So I guess that means that I am touched by the words. It is the capability of your pen however that made this wonderful homage to your uncle/brother a story that one never can forget...it seems as if I heard his laughter by that swing
and I thank you for gracing this contest with this touching entry. Very best wishes to you,
reenie
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Ah! Brilliant! Such a beautiful story-poem. Also a great way to honor your Brother's memory.Much love.
~Rianna~ -
This is a very sad story, thank you for enterign this, I liked it alot, iit's bery good. Keep up the good work, its realy wonderful!
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Very nice. I really like this a lot.The words are hypnotizing. It is absolutely amazing. I really enjoyed the scheme of this as well. Keep up the great work. Steph
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I'm either the key to emotions or a villainous piece of garbage this week.. the verdict is still awaiting. What is this? I feel awful, 'cus I've made like.. half the cast cry this week. Bah.. the thing is, y'all really have channeled some genuine feelings here and have beautifully and honorably relayed these things. Your story here was truly.. one that could affect and inspire many. Really, it could. It's one of those things that I am unlikely to ever forget. Wow.
- Justin -
Muddy, you have outdone yourself again. This is fabulous! I feel it all, see it. Bravo! Gypsy
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I love this poem. You have sooo much potential and I will have to read more of your work. This was such a wonderful dedication to you uncle.
Love,
Brandy -
OMG, MuddyKing...this is the best, the very best. I believe there are those fine moments when we do something so awesome that we gain feathers that only Creator can see. this was one of your feathered moments. Tears streak down my face. I do not easily allow my eyes to well but this has truly done it. this is what gives me faith and hope in humankind. Just OMG!
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a lesson in empathy
It is so very difficult to use words to communicate such a compendum of feelings and circumstances. You did it more than well. Yes this was a lion and you can be proud of him. -
enough to make a grown man cry ( only because my brother never needed my help ) and I never became the man you are.
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This is a fantastic piece and certainly a worthy tribute to someone who you obviously love. The language and imagery enrich this write almost beyond belief. The stanza which begins with: "The tast of pity..." is so powerful, it took my breath away - well done.
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There's no contest here-- you've done a wonderful job on a topic that's wonderful in the least. You almost seem to make a remorse, unhappy memory relive the good times that once were. Great job!
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wow.. it's really good.. very nice write.. i think your brother would've like this.. how u remember the times and remember him as he truely was..
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This is such a great poem, definatly worth all the applause it received so best of luck to you from now on, and may God give you the inspiration to create something even better then this...
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aaaaaw
oh goodness this is such a good write! i'm so sorry about your brother. this is just so beautiful i can't believe it!
-rose-petal- -
I'm going to go comment on painted jezabal's page about her rudeness. Hopefully others see that she really doesn't care about anybody else's work.
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Inspirational!
A dignified tribute to a young man of courage.The imagery is sad but not sentimental and we are left with the impression of a young man who taught by example.Clever use of metaphors,poignant words of desolation and strong imagery make this a notable and inspiring poem.Thank you for sharing this tragic event with us.Perhaps we can all appreciate the simple pleasures of life with a little more wisdom and grace! -
Aww wonderful job! This piece really was touching ... and its just woneful ... the depth of the emotions eye catching ... keep it up
Take care
~ Steph ~ -
I really got tears in my eyes when i read your authors comment. this is really beautiful work!!
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good rite well done. i really enjoyed reading it.
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this poem shows strength and love. You were contected to this person as much as anyone can be. it is wonderful and passionate. shows that person's strength and that they were not hinder by their inablility but had just as much ablilities than the next person.
painted jezebel commented on one of my featured items too. it was insulting since they are just commenting so they can summit another poem or something like that. sorry about their thoughtlessness -
Damn Good
Very Nice write here! The metaphores you use here are awsome. Your uncle would be proud of this grand dedication! -
this was very enjoyable...
very sad and very beautifully written...
nice job.. maintain the originality.. i really liked this -
Cool I like lions???? That girl obviously didn't read the poem and just wanted the points. Shame on her!
Anyways, I'm sorry about your brother. Just think of mentally handicapped children! Their whole lives spent being slower than others. Those people have more strength that anyone else in the world. To be paralyzed at age 16 for me is unthinkable. I'm only 15 right now! I'm sorry for such a sad loss. I don't usually applaud poems that are sad and are a true story, but the story makes the poem. That sounds terrible, but this poem being a true story makes it what it is. So it definetly deserves the applause. Congrats on such a wonderful piece of work. You deserve all the applauses you got. -
Cool. I like lions.
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Great poem
I guess my last comment didn't take. This is such a great work. I really enjoyed it. -
OMGosh, that made me cry as well. This is the most amazing piece of someones heart I have ever seen. You are a such a wonder to behold. Not enough applauds to give you on thi spiece.
Hugs, Lay Raven -
Excellent
What a touching tribute to your uncle. You did it so wonderful. -
Wow, this gave me goosebumps...it is truly an amazing write, I love it. Again great, awesome, spectacular write!
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I must agree with EVERYONE here...this was a beautiful poem! Very strong emotions went into it and it shows!!!
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this is beautiful. thank you for sharing it, it's plain to see the emotion in it.... it makes me wish i had known your uncle.
blessed be -
very sweet n careing. good right
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ABSOLUTELY BEAUTFIFUL!!!
BESIDES BEING A BEAUTIFLUL PIECE, I would say you have tocuhed the ehart of this redaer, the heartfelt emotions felt throughout this piec, where overwhelm ig, and yes, I cried with you, for this is a sad yet loving poem, paying tribute to the uncle/brother you loved so much and lost... He is watching over you... And that star you see at night flickering so shiny and bright, that's only HIM letting you kow that HE is alright! AngelicMistress
*GREAT JOB!!! GREAT JOB!!!*
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i've seen this poem around the site but never really read it.. and now that i have, i'm glad i did! It's beautiful and poetic in every sense... it has the makings of a great story, which it is, and... truthfully i'm speechless.
i love the descriptions!!!! my favorite part was
"No more miles
to walk, in his shoes.
Years pass as his
Chuck Taylor's bear
the factory tread, still
virginal white of the
dove grounded, with
broken wings"
... i dont know why, but this just really captured me.. i love it a lot.
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this was such a strong and powerfful poem wow im just blown away its so good! You really deserved all those applauds!!! Great job, It was excelllent i loved it. Sorry there are so many grammar mistakes right now but im typing really fast. I usually dont like poems like this but i liked this.
and i also loved the ending
Edited on Sep 12, 4:19 p.m. because ''. -
Beautiful poem
This was a beautiful poem and an even more beautiful story. Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt piece. Your imagery captured his pride and how he rejected pity and even your own feelings about his chair.
Great work. Thanks for sharing deep emotions. I was touched.
Thanks,
Anne -
Powerful tribute well presented. A very moving piece you have written. Thanks for sharing this with us.
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This is very moving. I must say it gave my goose bumps all up and down my entire body! I really haven't read anything in a while that has truly moved me but I can say this has without a doubt!
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Hi Muddy, great write this is another style for you and I like it very much, great feel. all the best, hugs Di
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I have to agree with you. This is one of your best, it's hard to decide where I'd place it, but in comparison to most, it's heads and shoulders above the rest. I like your style, because even when it's a form of free verse, I don't have any trouble understanding what the poem is about. You write it to where it can be enjoyable, and incomparably creative at the same time, another great write. Crackertl82
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This poem...made my eyes water. It's very bittersweet. I enjoyed it a lot.
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Fantastic poem. So deep and very touching. It's nice to read poems that mean so much to the poet personally, like this one. Very well done, keep it up.
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waoh this is trully really great. yes, it IS sad and dramatic i totally agree but still the layout and creation is brilliant i like your work loads.
keep writing we all love ya'll..
ann-8-)
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That's so sad...It's beautifully written, and this is such a way to relive memories with a loved one. Losing someone you're close to hurts like crap, but they are always with us, smiling down at us, helping us along the way...Great write
Kat
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Wonderful way to relive those times with this friend. They will always be there in your heart, and you have learned much from this influence on your life. Well written.
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Muddy...I'm sitting here thinking I don't read nearly enough of your works What a wonderful memory captured for all time in this piece and what a lovely testimony of love, courage and family. The imagery in this was splendid as was your word choice
Ruth -
Incredible Work
That was a incredible tribute. Well written, better feeling. I wish you the best. These lines:
I told him it was at least a half mile up the mountain. His eyes filled with tears, as did mine. I carried him on my back to the cable swing.
They were filled with such love. Thank you for the poetry. -
my brother, he ain't heavy
Fantastic penning of what life in its innocence and its troubles
times , of braving the tides of all challenges , and the heart
of a man with a lions roar ,deep and evoking memories of
what reality and soul bekons.May his memory sing as the creek flows in that now hallowed place . -
This is beyond word, I am speechless. I love you imagination, just fantastic. I couldn't say anything is wrong with it ... keep it up
Take care
~ Steph ~ -
This is just phenomenal! What wonderful imagery you used. I would pick out a favorite stanza but can't they all are packed with crips images. This is a fabulous write.
~Dee -
Wow...very touching poem...sorry about events that led to the writing of it. Best wishes!
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I do not cry often – But this poem touched something so deep inside that I could not stop myself! A very beautifully written tribute to someone who from your account was a brave and special soul. Thank you for sharing this with us..
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I really loved this piece! Your words would surely bring a smile to his face. It was very interesting and well thought out. Nice form in this write. One of the better poems i have read at this website. thank you for sharing!
-Dan -
excellant read. you have caotured the feel of the injured very well and made the reader feel the painand suffering of the one watching as well.
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YOu have written in his memory well, some of your phraseology was perfectly matched to the form and content.
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wow, this is beautiful, very touching. best wishes to you.
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Brilliant
I usually try to keep tears and things of that nature bottled up inside because I don't like to show emotion other than the most common ones, atleast to people I don't know. But this brought tears to my eyes, as I'm sure it did a lot of people. Thanks for writing this and sharing his story. -
Bitchin'
Interesting. I like how you wrote this piece. Keep up this style...it's very interesting. -
Excellent
This one brought tears to my eyes man...it's very emotional. I think this is an excellent piece of poetry, one of the best I've seen. Keep up the great writing! -
man, I'm really glad I decided to check for any author info before I read this. I can't imagine how it would feel to lose a brother. I'd be horrified if one of my brothers died. It's great that you can write about it and share something so intiment. thanks.
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Beautiful Tradegy
Powerful write. Very emotional. In my opinion it really has a jagged; jaded (whatever that means) edge to it..and in a really good way; Good to see a well written poem that isnt emo. Really get a sense of love for your uncle here...I know what its like to lose someone close to you and this is a remarkable dedication to him. Good work
<33 Spanky -
I'm very sorry this happened to the both of you. It seems to me that you got a few precious things from your uncle before he died, though: love, manhood, and a fine poem. Good luck to you and God bless.
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Heartfelt
Dearest Poet --
Often heroes are those who cry with love and compassion; those who move with their spirits ... You have written a wondrous dedication for TWO heroes.
Touching write.
Myra -
What a wonderful write you have done here for your uncle....I am still crying, good tears though....to show your uncle with so much strength, even though his legs worked no more, was amazing.......what a great thing you did for him, the smallest things we take for granted mean the most to those who can't do it.......thank you for making me realize again how thankful I am for what I have and what I am able to do, take nothing for granted......thank you for sharing this part of your life, beautiful
Jen
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Too bad this wasn't the "Get the most applause" week, or else you would have surely won!
(This opinion coming from someone who hasn't read any of the other pieces this week though! 
) ...Anyhow, onto the actual piece!
Wow, this is such a powerful piece! You've bombarded this with so much emotion, I really feel as though I actually knew him. It's not often that poems bring tears to my eyes, but you have done it! You've told such a story throughout this piece, but not in the usual prosic poem manner (lavender shadows' term for prose transformed into poetry) in a completely poetic manner. And your title!
They better give you your full 5 points for that title or else- OK, I don't know what I'll do, but the title's amazing!
Despite the 100 word comment I've just written (whether you believe the next part or not, it's pretty much your decision), you've left me speechless! I know it doesn't make much sense, but when I'm speechless I have lots to say.
Anyhow, amazing write here! Best of luck with this, hopefully the judges will love this as much as I do!
~lavender shadows~
(Oh, and here's another applause to throw into your abundant collection... perhaps you'll win "most applauded poem" this week!)
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Beautifully Sad!
A very touching piece, you have done your brother justice through your thoughtful heart...pen on sweet soul!
-Me
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Wow. That's all I can say. You have cut deeper than any other poem I have ever read. It nearly brought me to tears. Though such a tragic event in your life, you have put it so beautifully.
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Wow, this a very powerful piece here. Thank you for sharing such a memory with us. This is a wonderful tribute to someone who meant so much to you. Athena
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You put me into this full force and little more can be asked of an author. It is not so easy to bring tears to my eyes... as you have done with this. The images and emotions are well written and take the reader completely within the story.
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this brought tears to my eyes.... I don't know what to say. I was nearly paralyzed a few months ago when a horse fell on me, and I can only imagine what it would be like to live a life in which I would never be able to walk. Your uncle sounds like an amazing person, as do you.
hell -
very moving,I cried.
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A powerful write. I've often wondered myself (about this type of tragedy)
and this is as close as I've gotten. You've done your work well in that respect. -
You made me cry with this, too. Thank you for the write, and the history.
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Wow, great job. Very touching.
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