Tag: Family

My First Funeral

On By Jerry BrothertonIn flash, Short StoriesLeave a comment

 

I wondered why people felt the need to express their opinions about his appearance. They strolled by the casket like they were out shopping the fresh produce isle at the market. I watched as a few gathered the bravado to touch a hand; some patted his chest and one old women, I had no idea who, even place a kiss on his forehead.

 “Doesn’t he look nice?” “He looks so peaceful.” “He looks so natural.” “Well, at least he’s in a better place.”

When my turn to peek over the side came, my excitement faded.

Uncle Elmer just looked dead.

Transitions

On By Jerry BrothertonIn Free Verse, Poetry4 Comments

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Ah yes there’s the rub; life’s small transitions

A birth to youth, youth to age, age to death

Much too quickly my brothers and sisters

Have passed through their veil of reality

And now join the orchestra of rapture

Too quickly I follow their lanterns glow

Sing to me a song, my Angels of grief

I can’t remember my life from before

Carefree and chasing the forever more

Maybe there are some things that can be left unsaid. But, I love you, is not it.

On By Jerry BrothertonIn flash, Short Stories20 Comments

When I was young my parents told me that I would wish I had this time to live again. I have to say that I thought they were a bit senile. Who in their right mind would want to live with no TV, cell phone or Facebook? Who wants to fish in clean water, breathe unpolluted air, or play in the middle of the street without harm? Who needs to sleep through a silent night or wake early to play in dew covered grass? Who needs simplicity, friends …family? Why would I long to hug my father, to kiss my mother’s brow, to tell my brothers and sisters I love them.

“Not me,” said the ignorance of youth.

 

Regrets

On By Jerry BrothertonIn Free Verse, Poetry25 Comments

I am so sorry mother

I was consumed by my youth

Maybe I did not love you

Quite as much as you deserved

My life devoured my thoughts

Tomorrow was far away

I didn’t understand how much

I would miss not seeing you

Gravel Roads

On By Jerry BrothertonIn Free Verse, Poetry5 Comments

Gravel Roads

The plumes of dust spew from beneath my wheels

As I drive headlong into the darkness

Thick clouds hide those things I have left behind

They will only show me what lies ahead

Down those back roads I drive like a demon

If I can go fast enough then maybe

I will break the barrier that holds me

To the river and back again is the

Cruise of my one horse town. No burger joints

No main street cafes or crowded drive-ins

Someday I will drive beyond the river…