9 Comments
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Ray Sweatman's avatar

Another fine, sad tribute.

M.P. Strayer's avatar

Thanks Ray.

David Rizzo's avatar

I greatly enjoyed this one. Sorry about your friend.

M.P. Strayer's avatar

Thanks for taking the time to read it. I appreciate!

David Rizzo's avatar

You’re very welcome.

Dina Pielaet's avatar

Really beautiful, Michael. Sad but beautiful.

M.P. Strayer's avatar

Thanks for reading, Dina. I appreciate it.

Antonio Castellaneta's avatar

“not a single iridescent neuron wasted — and still you’re gone.”

That line stayed with me.

What really struck me is how the poem lets grief move through ordinary space instead of isolating it into something purely lyrical. The market, the customers, the automatic conversations, the weather… all of it keeps moving while the absence remains physically present in everything.

The ending lands quietly and painfully true.

M.P. Strayer's avatar

Thank you reading! And for the thoughtful response. I really appreciate it. Shameless plug, but if you like what you read, spread the word.