One Moment Poem by Esther Leclerc
One Moment
Alive, full of life - -
laughing at jokes, I imagine,
grooving to the music on the radio
20 miles from his destination - -
Can't wait, can't wait to get home
But, he's dead now, finally lying,
spread-eagled on the road
not yet cold
And all I see are old black shoes,
shoes pointing my way
and a blanket-covered body
(so small... so young)
as our car, lavish with life, glides by
I've never seen a fresh-dead person
Never seen someone whose
last moment in life, first in death
caused so much confusion
(why are we not moving?)
anger (WHY are we still not moving? !)
then, bitter tears for the loss
(Oh, God......)
Rescue workers wandered alone,
foiled, forlorn, unfulfilled in the mission
to quicken the dead
He was alive, so alive, only
moments ago... like you, like me
full of plans, full of life, full of self - -
empty now, dead body on the road
Does he know that it only took a moment? ...
(4.18.06 - On the long drive to Disney World, of all places. So very sad.)
Like a candle, it can be snuffed out within a second, or less, life is very fragile, and no one knows when or where death will strike. A very moving write about an inevitable happening. Sad but something we all have to accept, that we are not immortal.Well described and constructed. Love Ernestine XXX
This is so haunting and powerful, with each word fully earning it's place on the line. Esther, I am proud to call you a friend. Hugs Anna xxx
Wow, that is really awful (the tragic death, not the poem!) . Your poem reminds us to love and live fully, and avoid driving folly. - chuck
The mystery of coming and going, the spiritual magnet keeps the process unending.
Esther, Well said, ... to be within moments of someone losing theirs, can and most likely, will change your own life forever!
Esther, This is a fine poem, conveying feelings of both shock and compassion. And yet, isn't that the poet's job? To clarify, the explain, to synthesize the tragedies and ecstacies of life? I particularly liked your words 'fresh-dead person' and your description of the reaction of those for whom the incident was nothing more than a nuisance.. What a waste! love, Allie
So tragic it takes moment, a blink of the eye, from life to death. You tell the story so movingly, showing you own concern and compassion Thanks for sharing, John
Well-relayed, Esther. And thanks for your comment on my poem earlier. Love, Gina.
very true. you are so a good poet. don't discount yourself. -Lydia,13 :)
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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4/19/2024 6:32:47 AM # 1.0.0.1119
Isn't it amazing how quickly we drive by, forgetting there is a human body lying still warm on the road, and we turn back into self centered people, fretting because we are stuck in traffic?