And they did come
By AJ O’Brien.
So empty the shadows
that danced within her eyes,
how sad the children
at the birth of her demise.
Came the lonely
clutching their goodbyes,
dragging hearts of sorrow
beneath cast iron skies.
Came the fools with gold
and so too the wise,
along with her inner demons
wearing a sad disguise.
And so her people wept
until the sun did rise,
and one and all forgave
her unforgivable lies.
Incarcerated shadows 
I love your poems. I never knew dark poems could be this breath taking and meaningful not to forget pleasing to read. Thanks for sharing
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Thank you so much.
You’re very kind.
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Wishing you a Happy Father’s Day, Alan! I know that grandbaby is happy to have you around.
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Thank you ever so much Anna.
We’re all going out for lunch today. 😀
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I was spellbound from start to finish, darkling Alan! A heart filled with darkness remains so in life and in death. Redemption isn’t for everyone. Exquisite work! I’m left breathless. 🖤💞
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Rose dear Rose, thank you so much for
your wonderful comments. 💕
I do so miss your excellent writing. ☺️💕
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Such a thrill to see you doing well! Your potent words are magnetic. All the best, my dearest friend. Thank you. ❤️
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I picture a dying matriarch — a woman who has exercised power over her family all her life, but is now losing her grip over them. Death does put life in perspective. Nice job, as always, Alan.
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Thank you very much Anna.
A dying matriarch, I like that.
Or maybe a deity?
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This is really awesome 👏. From where did you get the inspiration to write this one ?
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Thank you very much.
The first line just came to me,
and I built on it.
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Wow that’s awesome 😇. If you can please do see my blog and let me know your thoughts. I am following on now so that we can stay in touch. I hope you don’t mind us being friends 😇
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Many Thanks for your kind words. 😊
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I’m always delighted to find another rhyming poet, and a poet whose lines scan. Fine craftsmanship!
I see you’re also an Alan, same spelling. No Allen, no Allan–the right one!
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Thank you so much.
I appreciate your kind words.
The correct way to spell the name Alan.
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always good to hear from you, blessings my friend
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Thank you.
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I think we grieve for what might have been, and in doing so, forgive what was not. Really enjoyed this poem Alan 🙂
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You’re so right Michele.
Thank you for your wonderful comments.
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This powerful poem does raise the question, do we grieve for what someone really was, or what we wanted them to be? Can we forgive those unforgivable lies? All your poems make me think (and not just because I tend to be a bit slow on the uptake), but this one seems to operate on so many levels…. Good job, Alan!!!
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Thank you so much Ann.
I do so appreciate your comments.
They are always insightful and, yes, inspiring.
Always inspiring.
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Very moving. Perfect timing for me.
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Many Thanks.
Perfect timing?
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I have a funeral today and elderly parents and it just made me reflect on how once our loved ones go I expect forgiveness for whatever (if needed at all) comes flooding in. Maybe not all the time but I expect a lot of it.
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Forgiveness is always an option.
Thank you for replying.
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I have read and re-read this poem several times and each time it suggests something slightly different and gives a little more: perhaps the death of one whose faults are now dismissed; perhaps the failings of a deity; or the fact that we never truly see what lies behind those we have known.
Whichever may be the case this is a remarkable poem. Excellent work.
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Thank you very much for your generous
and insightful comments.
When writing this poem I actually did think
of her as a deity.
Once again, thank you.
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Oh this is so solemn. Everyone weps her pain for lying. But the forgive. I love how this story is told. It’s actually upbeat though it doesn’t sound like it. I see the outcast being included back into community. Nice one! 🙌👏👌🖤
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Thank you very much.
I appreciate your wonderful comments.
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Oh, HL, this is exquisite. Bravo 👏🏻
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Many Thanks my friend.
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Is there hope found in resurrection, “at the birth of her demise”? Terrific writing, Alan! ~ Mia
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Thank you so much Mia.
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You’re welcome, Alan.
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Nice…
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Thank you so much.
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You’re welcome, hunny
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Fantastic poem!
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An awesome comment.
Thank you so much.
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I’ve always found it strange that when someone dies, they suddenly sprout a halo. All their wrongs are immediately forgiven—or ignored as if the misery they sowed never happened.
Your excellent choice of words set just the right mood for your poem. Great work!
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You’re very kind.
And Thank you for your wonderful comments.
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You’re welcome…it was my pleasure to read.
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how sad the children
at the birth of her demise.
along with her inner demons
wearing a sad disguise.
and one and all forgave
her unforgivable lies.
I like the words you put next to each other birth/demise; And you hide meaning until after I have read it: inner demons/sad disguise (to cover their happiness of evil); and you communicate intensity: all forgave/unforgiveable
Great poem!
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Thank you so much.
Your comments are absolutely spot on.
And very much appreciated.
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