This is about a young man I've never met, but feel like I know. The ripples of his life go out and out -resonating still. This is a tribute. February is his birth and death month.
He was a linchpin
beloved
indispensable
when taken
wanted in heaven
since then
only cogs are kept
to run the machine
it hurts too much
being reminded
losing such a one
hundreds of cogs
lined up at the wheel
begging to fill
the next empty spot
close the gaping hole
where a linchpin
should be
push linchpins
down and away
make them leave
before they go
as safe protection
against
passionate need
the ceiling stays low
control tightens to
dishearten creativity
freedom clipped
as fragmented lives
constantly
shift with fear
cogs in the wheel
usually stay long
but are easily
replaced
no matter
if they leave
there is no pain
when they go
away
4 comments:
Kathleeen - your blog name and tagline is an aptly fitting clothespin line for your words! Did you write this poem. Dang, it's good! Thanks again for the rec. Can't wait to get my hands on it.
Kathleen, this is beautifully expressed. I like very much your inventive use of the symbols of linchpin and cogs. The cogs here carry a deep burden of sadness.
belinda, Maureen and Bonnie - thanks for adding depth and understanding.
I would give all the money I had to understand the therefore after the wherefore. Wherefore asks the reason, which I don't know!
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