I emerge from the cellar
I dwell there often
but it is not my home
I ascend
the stairs
step by step by step
The climb is winding
but I make it without complaint
I do this often
At the top of the stairs sits
a small table of mahogany
Burnished a shining burgundy with honey
upon the table is the vase
and across from the table
is the light at the center
The vase is sea green and boreal
impossibly delicate and strong
filled with life and song
I know it will be shattered soon
it does this often
the storm is coming and I cannot
prevent the fall
Winds howl and batter the lighthouse
a harbinger of things to come
and come they will, no matter how much
I wish it not to be
When the storm arrives
the tower will shake as if God himself
were pulling it from the earth
and the table will tilt
and the vase will fall
I cannot prevent this from happening
for I must tend the light
or others will be lost in the storm
the light must not be extinguished
or darkness will fall, without form
The storms will pass, their fury spent
and some will not see the day
I will move away from the center
and set right the table of mahogany and honey
and begin to pick up the pieces of the vase
of life and song
I have done this often
my hands will be cut
and my blood will flow
over the shards and the floor
and over the place where the vase
sits no more
I can no more control the fall
than I can control the storm
and the feeling of futility in aftermath
I carry each piece in my wounded hands
down the path
step by step by step
the journey down is the hardest
to the cellar where I dwell
though it is not my home
and begin to rebuild
the beautiful vase
of life and song
I do this often
to again make it
delicate and strong
This is a response poem to the new song by Linkin Park, One More Light, and the video tribute to Chester Bennington, as well as some personal things my family is going through. I hope this speaks to all. I recommend listening and watching. As my friend Christine says, Peace and Light, and remember, the storms always pass….
OP
image courtesy of Esteban Cobo and Pinterest
So much yes, my friend ❤✌
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thanks much kiddo, love ja
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Love ya back!
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😁
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So sad and beautiful at the same time. Love to you ❤
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Thank you so much Laurie. Love and strength to you and yours 🙏❤
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You’re welcome and thank you ❤
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Beautifully wrought my friend– I felt it profoundly. Thank you for the shout out. Peace and light always OP– you have been an incredible guiding light for me this past year
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I believe we’ve guided each other. It’s easier to walk the path with others than to trudge alone🙏❤
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Oh my
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Thank you Sarah 🙏❤
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A fitting and wonderful tribute, Sir Oldepunk!
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Thank you my friend
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Gosh darn Dennis. You made me cry. And I am so sorry if things are hard for your family right now! 😢 🎶 🍻
And I needed that reminder at the end, thank you! 💚❤💚
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thank you V. Appreciate you much my friend 🙂
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You are welcome! And this poem was wonderful! 🙂
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😊💚
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