The Story behind the Poem: The dying leave us

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     My husband, Bill, reads most of my poetry (in fact, he is the one who encouraged me to publish it.) I often tell him the story behind the poem when I show him a poem. He suggested that I write the stories as well. They can enhance someone's understanding of and appreciation of the poem. 

    The first one I will do this with is a short one without a title. The first line is "The dying leave us." This poem came after my sister died unexpectedly in 2018 and my husband died more expectedly in 2019. I would think of something I didn't quite remember well or wanted more data on from my childhood. I'd think "Rhonda would know!" and go to call her or email her and then realize she's not there. Likewise, there would be something I would want to ask Dennis or just tell him. And, again, I would realize that I can't ask him. Really the wort part of someone dying is that you can no longer communicate with them. You have the memories and you still feel all the love but no communication is possible. So, I wrote this poem.  It's short and maybe a little silly but it does express this frustration.

       

The dying leave us

Such a mess

There’s never

A return address

I’d love to send them

Each a card

“Without you, Darling,

Life is hard!”





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