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In My Darkened Living Room
by Chris Sorrenti
    for Juan O'Neill
    RIP 1933 - 2006
in my darkened living room
the television shines on
as it always has
with our favourite movies
though no need now
to turn up the volume
so you can hear a little better
its colours casting a surreal glow
over that favourite seat on the couch
where you used to sit
and when the party went late enough
as it often did
where you would sleep
a bottle of wine chills in the refrigerator
as it always has
only a few steps away
unable to satisfy my thirst
the same way again
and though I will invite others
to drink with me
none of them could ever recreate
your articulation
historical story telling
clear and bright as the sun
you ran under as a boy in Cuba
in my darkened living room
in my darkened living room
the telephone sits strangely quiet
never again to ring
with your daily check-in
roast broiling in the oven
as it always will
with potatoes and onions
cooked just the way you love them
and though from now on
you’ll be late for supper
every so often
I’ll still set a place for you
just as I know
you’re saving a seat for me
where you sit drink and dine
finally free
of arthritis and pace maker
with your new neighbours
Pablo Neruda
Ernest Hemingway
© 2006
Photo: Juan O'Neill and Chris Sorrenti © 2003 Maureen Glaude
2,130 hits as of November 2023
07/13/2006 Author's Note: Published in the chap book: The Magician of Sandy Hill, March 2007, Ottawa, Canada. Produced by Lynne Alsford for the Sasquatch Writers' Performance Series in honor of its founder, Juan O'Neill. ISBN 978-0-9730202-5-0
Posted on 07/13/2006
Copyright © 2024 Chris Sorrenti
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by J. P. Davies on 07/13/06 at 05:42 AM What a fine tribute. It is often the smallest of things that we tie to a person. Well captured. |
| Posted by Maureen Glaude on 07/13/06 at 01:41 PM Heartbreaking tribute to our fine poet friend, Chris. The gap he leaves felt by us all, but because of the time and closeness you and he shared, and the experiences, so intense here. |
| Posted by Elizabeth Jill on 07/13/06 at 01:53 PM Already setting the flow of felt-sadness, here comes the immense creative touch of a finishing line that moves everything even deeper. Ah, we weep... |
| Posted by Christel Crews on 07/14/06 at 06:31 AM so sad and so beautiful.. a lovely write to a person no one else can replace, nor should they.. i love the use of repetition, it just draws the reader in while each vivid stanza opens the door to your sadness little by little so that we get a glimpse of your ache |
| Posted by Mara Meade on 07/15/06 at 10:37 PM This speaks of a pure friendship... it is eloquently exquisite in its focus and inspiration. Losing one who knew such personal depths and plumbed them, shared them, with you... it is a difficult task to say "goodbye" in this world... even when you KNOW they are waiting for you in the next. This struck my heart, Chris. |
| Posted by Bruce W Niedt on 07/16/06 at 01:37 AM An affecting and eloquent tribute: "every so often/I’ll still set a place for you/just as I know/
you’re saving a seat for me..." - that's wonderful.... d:-) |
| Posted by Jean Mollett on 07/16/06 at 06:00 AM Hi Chris,
It's a loving and caring tribute for your close friend. It reminds me about a close friend I have lost too. It's heart breaking, so sorry to hear about your friend. True blue friends, best friends, are hard to come by. One can never have enough friends. Lots of Hugs coming your way. :) :( :) |
| Posted by Jean Mollett on 07/16/06 at 06:04 AM Hi Chris,
Ooops, I meant to mention about the picture, love it. It makes it more true and real.
The poem and picture makes ya think hard, we should never take friendships. People tend to take each other for granted too. |
| Posted by Graeme Fielden on 07/16/06 at 01:36 PM he personalisation of your tribute shows your admiration...the lyrical dance shows your style. v cool, chris. :) |
| Posted by Paganini Jones on 02/21/08 at 10:59 PM This is outstanding in the simplicity of your writing and knitting together of little images. I'm glad I happened accross it finally. |
| Posted by Adele Cameron on 05/27/11 at 02:06 AM Aaaahhhh Chris. It's been years and year's and still you write so wonderfully. |
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