Have you ever wrapped yourself
in the colors of sunset
or inhaled the fragrance
of an eight year old
cancer patient's
laughter?
Ever caressed
the texture
of silence--
felt its downy wings
descend upon the evening’s
still?
Ever held eternity
in your palm
and noticed the fragility
of now?
Author notes
Inspired by my son's fight with cancer.
Dedicated to Maddy who lost the battle but won the war.
A contest entry
- Have you ever...? by Exodus.
2550 points, ended November 27, 2007, 38 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 20 of 20
-
This is such a tender and incredible poem, Brian. I'm so sorry to learn of the inspiration for your writing it, though. It's sad enough when an older person has to fight such a horrible battle, but when it involves a child, there's not much worse pain that we have to endure in this world. 
-
Awesome write. Really is sorta sad but still a great write nevertheless. I hope that you continue to show us here at AP, some more awesome work! Thanks for the share! -
sad
My heart goes out to you, I can feel your pain. Cancer run's in my family, which it is not a good thing. Good flow of word. Good luck on the contest.
-
nice
A whole new perception, completely enjoyable thanks for sharing take care kathrin xx -
Great!
Absolutely beautiful! I especially enjoyed:
"Ever caressed
the texture
of silence--"
I never gave much thought to silence having texture, but after I read your poem, I turned off my stereo, total silence in my house and there it was. I felt not only the stillness and quiet, but the softness in the air.
-
very touching ...and intense with powerful expressions...
-
Absolutely Wonderful!!! I think this is wonderful!!! You did a great job!!! This piece is very well written and is very important!!! You have allot of talent and it shows greatly within your words. My neighbor has cancer but he never lets it bother him, he lives life in the highest, and doesn't think of the bad. I pray for your son. God bless you! Excellent Work!!!! Very Inspiring!!! Keep Writing, I look forward to reading more from you!!!!
-
Excellent/Moving/Poignant
Very vivid, profound, silent, loud message , speaks volumes. Loved the second stanza. Well done
-
I really like this piece...it does convey upon the spectrum of human emotions...and for that, it is a "kodak moment" in which reality is still for the moment, and I can hear the laughter of the child...filled with bliss and stripped of fear of death...
The imagery stuck, the writing was on point...My only suggestion is to keep the last word with the rest of the stanza...I understand utilizing its seperation to emphasis on its importance, but it just hangs there....perhaps its the last fading word...or the sense it means to convey, but it would sit better with the stanza:
Ever held eternity
in your palm
and noticed the fragility of
now?
This is a very touching write, and a beautiful dedication...Brava!
-
WOW is all i cant say.... speechless over this one
-
This is touching and so beautifully written...
I am speechless with emotion over this one...
Beautiful
Lynda
-
Apart from loving this poem itself, I also love the way you described silence so uniquely. In your poem, silence is given texture and even "downy wings". Even more, I love how you described now as being fragile, which I think is actually quite true, because we could all drop down dead in a second. I love the idea of holding eternity in your palm (I'm picturing lots of glistening gold light and some dramatic movie music). It's inventive, touching, and really inspired out of something in your real life. =)
-
Very nicely done. Thoughtful and provocative in its presentation. A damn good read
-
Wonderful! beautiful write i love every part in it! When you wrote Ever held eternity in your palm and noticed the fragility of now? IT WAS PRECIOUS!
-
Excellent. Each stanzsa echoes with intent and meaning. Quietly imagistic, solemnly joyful.
-
I'm so glad you decided to re-enter this. It's so beautiful. Sad in a way as well, but at the same time you can't help smiling, knowing that there are people who are not always looking towards the future. Occasionally people remember we're living in today not tomorrow. Thank you
-
'Now' is so fragile.
This is just beautifully worded.
-
Outstanding write. Beautiful, and powerful and fragile. Momentous things to contemplate. May your son and your family be blessed, seasoned and softened and strengthened, and always feel God's loving nearness.
-
Brian, this piece is exquisite.
It was just what I needed to read this morning, thanks for the perspective. Prayers to you and your family. P.
-
This was totally beautiful and the thought of the 8 year old cancer patient gave me tears. Well done and I wish you the best of luck in the contest
Adding your comment:
1 - 20 of 20
