Brian Kristopher Micheal (2/12/1975-9/1/1994)
Life began at midnight,
beneath the moon’s soft halo-
a glorious gift unto smiling stars.
Fate conspired with the Tyrant:
Bestow the mark of affliction.
Let the tender whiteness crumble.
Bloodless conquest of the conquered.
A surrendered fist pounds ever weaker.
No mercy, no quarter, no ultimatum.
With enlightened frailty, humbler the mind,
and thankful he for all days not taken
before destiny trembles that body's last.
Mourn the stars, whose youngest son
will live not long till pale dusk falls,
and everlasting peace of night.
Written 1 December 1994
Author notes
This piece is finished. I am also not fishing for sympathy. Leave a comment if you wish, but show some respect.
My best friend and personal hero, Brian (pictured) died of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy during our senior year of high school (1 September 1994), at age 19. I wonder how many lives four times as long have been lived less fully. I have never met anyone with more courage.
I wrote this poem that year, more as a complaint on Brian's behalf than as a tribute to him. I post it here because I can't find him anywhere on the Internet, and he deserves to be remembered. I am lucky to have known him.
DMD is a cruel, painful, and humiliating disease that only claims its victim after subjecting him to a lifetime of slightly better yesterdays. The last of those is lived as a rigid, calcified skeleton--totally bereft of muscle tissue, and unable to breathe. I cannot think of any way to expose a person to more forms of indignity on a daily basis.
Brian had a magnetic personality, and was among the happiest people I have known. This despite that he knew at a young age he would be lucky to reach his mid-teens.
Sometimes I feel like life has been hard on me. Sooner or later, though, I think of Brian, and I am always awed: What an amazing human being. I can't help grinning when I look at this photo: This is the same smirk he was always wearing just before I heard that shallow laugh of his. His cousin Brandon and I used to comb his hair over his face and then put his glasses back on: "Cousin It." He thought that was hilarious.
What is there to laugh about while posing for a school photo?
Each day is a gift.
In a list
No sympathy, please. Show respect.
Comments
1 - 28 of 28
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Yes, it is a gift. I'm glad you know how to unwrap it...and savor it. Beautiful tribute, Morgan. I'm sure he smiled at your words...and the depths of your heart.
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To Brian, and to you for letting us know him, just a little. *raising my glass in salute*...A friend of mine in HS died of the same...Steve Morris. Your author note informs some and reminds others, like me. Thanks. Rhonda
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sad and so real, beautiful
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Nothing like a true friend... sweet of you to have done this for him (on behalf of him). It's a pretty write too... of course you already knew~
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sounds like an amazing guy... thank you for sharing this and offering us a glimpse into his life and his strength. heartbreaking and inspiring.
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it's just beautiful... too real, and too damn sad..
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Divinely written ...
in almost senryu like stanzaz, which could stand each and everyone on its own as a poem in own right. I loved this. I loved the way in which you wrote your friend into existence for he IS existing. In the best dimension there is.
And: I am supposed to be working, and here I sit, trapped in your poetry, a small, quiet mouse, shrinking, shrinking ... shrinking.
Hi M!
Love
Myra
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Thanks. This is a special write.
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I felt that there should have been a meter, — cadence to this. It would have given the overall read a more smoother and visual inlook to the emotional impact of the piece.
The lines are "remembrance" and I am sure what they read are always remembered.
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So Very HEARTFELT!!
This is a SPECTACULAR piece of writting!!
so very heartfelt and BEAUTIFUL!! straight
from the depths of your heart and soul!!
I love every single line in this one!!
Thank You so very much!!
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Lovely, warm, and heartfelt
"Bloodless conquest of the conquered" was my favortie part! great write and im really sorry about your friend...
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This was a touching poem you have written for your friend. May he forever rest in peace.
Jynnette -
I lost my son 3 years ago to the same disease. His name was Marshall and he was 15. The poem is a beatiful complaint. It expresses the quiet dignity,strength and tragic loss that is my son. I would like to have known Brian because he must have been just as precious a soul as Marshall. I'm glad you're open to some peace with God. It took me a while too. But Marshall and Brian will be back with perfect health one day.(revelation 21;3,4)
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This is a very beautiful poem. Certainly a great and moving tribute to your friend. I think he would be proud to read this and also proud to know that he is being remembered in such a manner. An amazing piece.
♥
-Miranda. -
I have the utmost respect for this poems intentions as a tribute to your friends fortitude and courage.God bless him,he left a wonderful legacy of inspiration,love and light,Yvette
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This is a good poem, and it works well on its own level. My condolences on the loss of your friend.
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Beautiful and so very moving.
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this was beautiful and a testament to friendship and a bond that will last forever. i too know the pain of losing someone and cursed that same God. but i would rather believe there is a better place they reside in and a place we will visit. when our days end
well done
john -
beautiful
This poem is beautifully written with compassion and warmth. I am glad I stopped to read it....Lynda
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Thanks for reading. It really does me good to know that this poem is getting read. I should have posted it sooner.
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Beautiful.
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Jane,
Thanks for the kind word. I've been meaning to tear through some more of your work for some time now. Expect that soon.
Morgan -
This is one awesome poem for an amazing person. I will simply say that, im not too good when it comes to these situations, it just breaks my heart.
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Hey Now Morgan, you know I Love this poem! It is really special and what else is poetry really for if at the end of the day someone isn't able to write a tribute to a dear love in their life? I believe that is the belly of poetry...this type of love and sharing. You are a brillant writer, regardless. I am really pleased that you went out on this limb and shared this with us. He looks like a brave spirit and someone I would have also loved to know.
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Thanks. He was a great guy. You have never seen so many people at a funeral. He filled a large church. We buried him with an intricate, homemade card he had received from the members of Pearl Jam, who were both his and my favorite band. It was done in watercolor, and they had all written something in it. Needless to say, I hold them in high regard. He was so thrilled. I get choked up just thinking about it.
Edited on Dec 20, 6:50 because ''. -
Morgan, that was excellent. I knew what you were saying even though it was masked well with words. I love the way you wrote this in an older language. Excellent piece. I hope that you can find peace over Brian. He sounds like a great guy for having the courage to be optimistic despite his limitations. I was five when he died.
Arielle Giselle -
Wow... I wonder what it would be like to be six and ultimately know that you're going to die. :/ Least he wasn't bitter about it which is more than most could say.
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i find strength in those who are afflicted with such diseases. they accept it after much struggle i'm sure. yet so many of them have been a positive influence on others. just recently i found out i have multiple sclerosis and while it's not the horrid disease it use to be it's still humbling. i have an inkling of where that acceptance and will to live comes from.
thank you for sharing this.
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