I thought about death lately.
Not the impending demise of me,
but it hovered close to one so dear.
I stood there, helpless in my inability
to spill the right words needed.
A blessed journey into that good night;
raging against her dying light!
© Walter J. Wojtanik – 2016
Presented at dVerse Poets Pub – Quadrille #11: Spill
*** Death seems to take whichever holiday it wishes, having ruined for me, two Christmases, two New Years Celebrations, an Easter and this past Memorial Day (she left us mentally then, she had passed last Tuesday), and probably any holiday hereafter. I understand Dylan Thomas’ rage, sadly all too well.
THROUGH THE EYES OF A POET'S HEART 
My condolences to the family Walt ~ I don’t think we could ever spill the right words needed ~
Never have so far. Never will, I agree. Thank you for your kind words, Grace! The family appreciates it I’m sure.
Please ignore my question in Bar Talk. I didn’t come down far enough. It seems death is always with us and always comes at a time we would rather be rejoicing and relaxing. I hope you will get some rest and ease in your heart. My thoughts and prayers are most definitely with you and your family.
Thank you, Toni. I’ll ease into “normal” as best I can.
I know. It does take easing, indeed.
So good that you turned to Thomas’ impressive poem at this moment. One of the things I admire in following your epic with Christine is the obvious love you shared with her, defying the stereotypes of that relationship.
Not that we didn’t skirt that stereotype (she was a sweet but tough lady). But it was just so touching to see her decline so rapidly and almost fade away completely before she actually passed. Thomas’ poem has been a frequent inspiration over the years.
I agree with Victoria on your reference to Dylan Thomas, so hard to spill those perfect words in sorrow, and to give the right solace to the one in pain.
We’re an emotional lot, Bjorn. Thinking we have the perfect words for all occasion. We can placate the pain of others, but nothing satisfies our aching heart. Thanks you.
So sorry for your loss. Twenty-three years later I spent this weekend grieving the loss of my father. I pray you find comfort in knowing you’ll see her again. Peace, Linda
Sorry for your loss as well linda! It isn’t easy no matter how much time has passed.
Watching a love one slip away can make anyone feel helpless. I don’t think there are any right words in the end.
So true Carol. Thank you.
I am so sorry for your loss, Walt. Death takes so much, really. And all too soon.
Much appreciated, De.
Oh, I know this well. While there really are no words to replace the irreplaceable.
I guess the words we share with each other seem to make us feel better and in that, they become the right words. Thank you, Raivenne.
You really pack a lot of emotion and depth and meaning into such a short poem. Great job.
In 44 words, we need to be to the point. This is a great exercise in that!. Thank you, Matthew.
I agree with Literary Doc. A lot of emotion and depth in this piece. So true, death always come when we at least expect it.
It surely does, Arcadia. The emotion is the easy part. It’s already there.
It’s often hard to think of the right words to offer someone experiencing the loss of a loved one but you have my deepest condolences, Walt. May she rest in peace.
Your kindness is comforting, Gayle. Happily the words were spoken before she passed, and I believe she knew it.
I’m sure she did, Walt.
there are no “right words” but only words that spill from your heart.
this is so poignant
Thanks, Candy. That means a lot!
I am sorry, Walter. Death respects no day or person. You expressed it well here.
And yet we cannot disrespect death. It wields too much power. We give it its due. Wish it weren’t so… Thank You, Lynn!
Very sad. I’m so sorry.
Thanks, Patti.
Emotions can run so deep when we lose a loved one that words can seem empty.
That’s exactly right, Mish. The words are there, they just never seem to be enough. Thank you.
My deepest condolences, Walt. There really are no right words to express one’s helplessness in times like this.
Thank you for that, Maria.
I’m sorry for your loss, Walt. This is a bittersweet little poem. These short forms can really pack a punch. Thank you for sharing.
I love whittling away at the words so what remains is full of everything that needs to be said. I agree the short form delivers. Thanks, Sarah.
And yet I wish you peace, in time.
A beautiful poem.
You help ease that, Rosemary. Thanks.
Sometimes death hovers for such a long time, you hardly notice it shutting the door, but the grief is just as hard to bear. It’s hard to find the words and sometimes you just have to let them spill.
True, she died a little bit every day. You are never prepared, but knowing she is at rest does comfort in a way! Always appreciate your words, Kim.
So sorry, Walt. My condolences to the family. Your words express the grief so well, it’s heartbreaking and yet in a way, beautiful. Sometimes, the words just have to flow in the way they can.
They do find their way to express what needs to be said, NJ. Thanks for your kind words.
You are most welcome 🙂
So so hard to read. I’ve often thought that statement “death takes a holiday” should be turned into “death becomes a holy day.” Ushering one to the other side — so heartrending….thinking of you and yours.
Thank you, Lillian. We all have a part to play in this life. I appreciate your thoughts!
Being helpless is such a terrible feeling but death is like that. It takes away from everything leaving NOTHING. What can you do with nothing? I am so sorry for your loss I hope writing does help. Big hug Walt!
It certainly does help, Bekkie. I accept all hugs! Thank you!
HeArt feLt condolences to you
MY FriEnd over the loss of yoUr
Loved one on course..
And sAdly tHere are
Nows that death
takes a Holiday
at the hands
of Medicine that
can prolong sufFeRing
bEyond any reasonable
doubt spilling death greater
into life that life spilling into death..
Life iS worth iT
LiVinG
to
mE..:)
Your comments are comforting, Katie. Thanks.
You’re welcome..
Friend..:)
I am so sorry to read your news, Walt. Yes, that Dylan Thomas poem holds all kinds of meanings. When there’s nothing you can do, but watch, then you know what it means to be powerless. Wishing you and your family strength.
We can use all the strength we can get, Freya. Thank you.
You’re very welcome, Walt
It’s always hard to find the right words at times like these. Nothing seems enough. So sorry for your family’s losses. Peace and light be with you.
The enlightenment that your peace offers is heartfelt and most welcomed.
Condolences to you and your family.
Thank you, Imelda
It can’t be helped. It is as natural as can be. Still words escape us as emotions are involved. Sorry to hear Walt!
Hank
I appreciate your concern, Hank.
I’m sorry for your loss. The last lines are heartbreaking, though beautiful.
A take on Thomas’ “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night”. Thankfully, her light still shines within us. Thank you for your kind comment, Josslyn.
The words can be hard to find when the heart is grieving. Wishing you and your family peace
So sorry for your loss. This is a beautiful poem.