Noah

Why didn’t I talk to you more
On that last phone call?
I was at work – oh, yeah –
But I could’ve called you back – later.
How can life sweep away our abilities
To care for those we love?
This sorrow consumes me
A great tidal wave that whisks
You right out of a normal moment
Into a gigantic unfathomable sea
Of chaos and regret
A crippling anguish with an
Elusive resolve tossing and swirling
A ceaseless and unrelenting turmoil.
Later slipped away, that illusory bandit
Always promising more time
Then stealing last opportunities
At every chance distraction
I should have recognized
The need that surrounded you
That tainted your voice
The last time I heard
You speak.
My soul shivers to know
Such discordance, to be saturated
In this inconsolable grief.
There is no rhyme,
No reason, no explanation
To quiet my silent screaming WHY?!!
I screech and bawl and howl
In this cacophony storm
Waiting for the harsh reality
To grow somewhat quieter
And maybe I will stand
On dry ground
Waiting to see
Another’s need.

~ M Calhoun
   01/14/21