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Good-byes & Hello

by Chris Sorrenti


at 5am
father and children
having received the phone call
stand in circle
around our matriarch
awkwardly discuss what has happened
and what must immediately begin

on the hospital gurney
my mother’s face
neither happy or sad
rests peacefully for the first time
in seventy-two years

I caress her forehead still warm
for the last time
kiss her good-bye
say so verbally
in the most reverent of terms
yet trembling in my inadequacy

the following morning
at approximately the same time
paper and mail not yet delivered
doorbell rings
but when we open to see who

no one is there


© 2010

1,720 hits as of December 2024


07/03/2010

Author's Note: The actual timeline for this poem is October 18th-19th, 2009.

Posted on 07/03/2010
Copyright © 2024 Chris Sorrenti

Member Comments on this Poem
Posted by Gregory O'Neill on 07/03/10 at 06:21 PM

Chilling reality of the thing. You take me inside the private family matter. Wonderfully handled. Much peace to you. Thanks

Posted by George Hoerner on 07/03/10 at 06:46 PM

So very well done Chris especially for such a personal issue. But certainly one we may all face someday. Again wonderful write.

Posted by Joan Serratelli on 07/03/10 at 09:29 PM

I was with my Mother the night before she died. She told me she was "ready". The phone rang early the next morning. I did not want to answer it. I knew she was gone. Chilling.

Posted by Morgan D Hafele on 07/03/10 at 09:48 PM

saying goodbye is never easy is it? but a very haunting piece came of it. thank you for sharing chris.

Posted by Linda Fuller on 07/04/10 at 12:06 AM

This short piece contains such a lot of pain, love and a sense of continuity. Thank you.

Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 07/04/10 at 03:10 PM

One of the most intimate of events - I am humbled by your sharing. Thank you.

Posted by Glenn Currier on 07/07/10 at 06:54 PM

This poem is a sad reminder of a similar experience, down to the detail of the still warm forehead and hands and the final peace after a long life. How often my parents have come knocking in my dreams over these years since I and they said our earthly goodbyes. This is so poignant for me, Chris. Thanks.

Posted by Max Bouillet on 07/18/10 at 08:50 PM

The first time in 72 years... powerful imagery. When I read the poem a second time the doorbell echoed around each word. Quite a mix of haunting comfort. Exquisite write.

Posted by Jeanne Marie Hoffman on 09/26/10 at 03:06 PM

I really like this one -- it is extremely sad, but you describe it in a way that avoids all the trite manners people usually use. You share your sadness as uniquely your sadness.

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