Not a worthy excuse

 

It would make you angry

my not writing

just because

you are gone.

 

You were the one

who so often

encouraged me

inspired me

pushed me

roused me

applauded me.

 

You who were the one

who always

expected more

who insisted

‘you are a better writer

than you believe’.

 

Even on different paths

in recent years

your first question

‘what are you writing?’

your firmest advice

‘write about everything’.

 

It would make you angry

my not writing

just because

you are gone.

 

You would not see

my sorrow

at your passing

as a worthy excuse.

.

.

© the author writing as Romantic Dominant

I wrote this year last year on the death of a close friend and mentor. Almost on the anniversary I learnt a few days ago of the passing of another friend, not nearly so close, but a friendship that goes back to our teens. A sense of great sorrow. It is a reminder of one’s own mortality when our friends die. Especially when they die before their time.

Art by Anne Magill