Poet's Farewell Poem by Eric Cockrell

Poet's Farewell

Rating: 5.0


i have labored for a thousand years
to build the ark that rides out
the storm...
to bring peace to a war torn earth,
to bring healing and understanding.
i have bowed in prayer with all faiths,
in temples, in mosques, in huts.
i have come in many forms,
red, brown, black, and white,
male and female both.
i have listened without judgement,
i have felt what you have felt.
i have known your poverty,
and your anguish,
and the insides of your prisons.
i have felt your passions, your hatreds,
your fears, and your hopes...
i have forgiven, and been forgiven.
i have taken lovers,
and stood with friends;
i have fallen again and again.
i have believed past the point of faith.
i have known both light and darkness.
i have tended the fire all through the night,
i have ran naked in the rain.
i am each of you, and nothing else,
and more than we understand.
i have spoken the last word spoken,
and now my time has come...

no longer the man
who feeds the branches to the fire,
i become the branches,
the flame, and the warmth...
and taking the form of light,
i kiss the darkness one last time...
with hope!

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Danny Draper 07 March 2012

A fantastic ode to the poetic spirit and efforts throughout the ages. A candle held to the human mirror by an arm that grows but older and hopefully ever wiser. Much appreciated.

0 1 Reply
Kaila George 24 December 2014

OMG no no no you cant be gone...ever since I got back I have been searching for you and I have not seen anything new and I just happen to see a friends list of comments and saw the title of this poem....sigh....your not gone are you....you have inspired me more than anyone that I have known on this site your writings are a true poets dream... to be able to write like you do...so effortlessly sigh....you are my knight in shinning amour when it comes to poetry sir....I will miss you.....your devoted and dedicated fan. Kaila George

0 0 Reply
Dave Walker 09 March 2012

Wow, an amazing poem. Like james said, hope your not going just yet. A fantastic write.

0 0 Reply
Kevin Patrick 08 March 2012

I was slightly disturbed by the title which seemed to be a permanent finale. But Its a really great write, that feels like a Romantic era style dirge, flourishing with confident radiance. Just dont go gently into the light.

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(De Va) 08 March 2012

you touched my soul once more, as you will again. I love this...and as I read it I saw incarnations of holy spirits throughout the ages...blessings.

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James Casey 08 March 2012

Eric, This better had not be your last poem, I know you haven't written yourself out yet. Who shall I read if you go? Besides I have to go first, it's only fair Good Write

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