Grief
Grief – As a photographer, poet, and novelist sometimes I happen onto a scene in life that brings a tear to my eye. The photo above is one of those times. Several years ago I was at Fort Logan National Cemetery on Memorial Day photographing the day – of those that walked among the marble tombstones of those of their loved ones that had answered the call to duty in the U.S.A. military.
During these photo shoots I am humbled and grateful for those that have given themselves in the defense of this great nation.
On this day I saw this older woman as she was remembering her late husband. Even though I was more than a hundred feet away, I felt her love – and her grief. I wanted to take her photo, but felt it was somehow not right to intrude on this wonderful and somber moment.
A relative who I thought to be her son saw me and our eyes meet and he indicated with a nod of his head that it was okay to photograph this moment of grief. The short poem below, I wrote in my jeep as I still sat in the cemetery. Although short, it seems just right for what I saw and experienced on that day.
“Grief”
One day you died and left me and I was in disbelief,
It flowed over me like the wave of an ocean – the grief.
The tears I shed yesterday, today and will tomorrow,
Will do nothing at all to ease my pain and sorrow.
The only comfort I have, the only thought I can foresee,
Is the day that we are joined together again as – we.
Until that time my love we will spend our time apart,
But just know you will always have my heart.
By Kurt James
Kurt James © 2017
Kurt James Western Adventure Novels Available on Amazon
The Denver Post, PM Magazine, and 9NEWS, all well-known Denver, Colorado media sources, have highlighted the powerful and evocative work of poet and novelist Kurt James. Focusing on Old West history, Kurt contributes feature articles to HubPages and Creative Exiles, exploring the eerie silence of ghost towns, the thrilling tales of outlaws and gunfighters, and the evocative imagery found in the Rocky Mountains.
Kurt’s early admiration for writers such as Jack London, Louis L’Amour, and Max Brand played a significant role in honing his skills as a storyteller. Twenty-one books (and counting!) transport readers to the Colorado Rockies and the Old West through Kurt’s vivid descriptions; the feel of rough-hewn cabins, the sounds of coyotes howling under starry skies, and the smells of campfire smoke and sagebrush are all palpable.
Find Kurt James novels, short stories, reference books, and poetry—published by Midnight Wind Publishing—in print copies or digital downloads at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, and other excellent bookstores; explore the diverse range of formats available.
Currently in production - The 10th book in his Rocky Mountain Series - Lee Moomaw Former Lawman.
Kurt is a proud member of the Western Writers of America, a group that values storytelling.
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Ohhh ,,, a wave if goose bumps attacked my arms. This is a beautiful poem and memoir, Kurt. Very nicely penned and memorable.
Goosebumps are awesome. Best compliment ever. Thanks Phyllis.
Nicely penned my friend. Enjoyed.
Thanks for stopping by Tony..
Heartfelt and the emotions just shine through.
Thank you Rasma for taking the time out of your busy day to stop by.
A tear formed on my eye, your camera moved this poet. Indeed to go back to your car and captor this sad moment with your pen in verse was beautiful. Well written my friend. It’s so sad to visit a cemetery at any time, I’ve often walked them and felt a peace, yet also a sadness for loss.
Vincent I actually do a lot of photography in cemetery’s. Mostly the old and forgotten ones, but Fort Logan National Cemetery is an awesome place for photos. I also feel at peace walking among the gravestones – Hope that does not sound morbid.