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Near and Far, Far or Near
by Chris Sorrenti
for Mom
As promised
I will pull this terrible secret
tight to my breast
so tight the future
cannot catch its breath
slip between us
In support of what you must
soon endure
no matter how loud
the monster’s screams for victory
from your lungs
from my own
while they still pump air
no quarter given
And whether they surgeon’s scalpel
or flush it out of you
I will still see you
near and far
for all the centuries to come
as my North Star
Rock of Gibraltar
And in so doing
cannot mask my disappointment
with the irony of life
in that you having quit the ritual
countless breaths ago
would still succumb
to this demon’s spell
Of which
I will not say its name
nor quote its numbers
where there is and is not pity
as you fear but more
limitless inspiration
in how you rose above
the heartbreaks of youth
and for when the hour comes
far or near
in how you will face rebirth
And if I should share
this constitution
call to arms with others
as you would not have me do
to love
defend you
the only way I know how
what harm then would it have done?
© 2006
Revised © 2022
2,380 hits as of June 2026
12/03/2006 Posted on 12/03/2006
Copyright © 2026 Chris Sorrenti
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by Maureen Glaude on 12/03/06 at 11:52 PM such a heart-wrenching piece, we can all identify with for sure. When the surgeon works, we must pray for God's guidance over his hands. May all turn out fine. Beautiful writing, of a tough subject. |
| Posted by Quentin S Clingerman on 12/04/06 at 02:10 AM Poignant, written with deep compassion. Intense. Not naming the particular condition makes the poem fit universally. I sense a struggle with attempting to write with deep feeling without being maudlin. |
| Posted by Gabriel Ricard on 12/04/06 at 05:14 AM It seems like this one's a little more structured(sp)than usual. But that's cool, since, as far as I know, you're pretty adapt at just about any style. Great work, man. |
| Posted by Kathleen Wilson on 12/04/06 at 05:24 AM Yes, very clear, especially with the line --that "you having quit the ritual countless breaths ago" and I completely feel with you and
"cannot mask my disappointment with the irony of life"-- it is just impossibly uncontrollable... -I wish we could, -that is what I have learned on the edge as you express here--and we do what we can=. You are brave. And with strong voice speak to the concentrated essence of human life and love. In poetry--your strongest cure--your most clear and powerful voice.
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| Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 12/04/06 at 06:15 PM I had to come back to this one. Your words are so carefully chosen for the pain you and a loved one have gone through/are going through. Quite wrenching and just so well written. |
| Posted by Christel Crews on 12/04/06 at 08:08 PM such a lovely piece, that pulls at the heartstrings of all who have encountered this deep level of love.. i don't know what else to say, but you have left me breathless |
| Posted by Bruce W Niedt on 12/06/06 at 05:51 PM Very strong work, Chris - lyrical and moving, without being too specific about the subject (though to me it sounds like a friend or loved one with lung cancer). Definitely one of your best! d:-) |
| Posted by Bruce W Niedt on 12/06/06 at 05:52 PM P.S.: My only critique is the title - it seems a little weak for such a strong poem.... |
| Posted by A. Paige White on 12/28/06 at 06:38 PM Wow. Somehow I overlooked this. If I could still speak, I'm sure I would only be repeating what all these others have said. Beautiful soul speak. Thanks. |
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