REL, III, (1950 - 2021)

by Larry Chamberlin   Jul 21, 2021



I lost track of you so many times
that this last one just seemed
par for the course.

My favorite picture of you
is from our days scouring
the plowed fields
along the Tennessee River.
You are on hands and knees
peering at the primitive projectile,
an arrowhead you plucked
from the fresh turned dirt.

We fancied ourselves
Hemmingway heroes;
you were so bound
to face an enemy
that you joined the army
a week after graduation,
while Tim and I were
hitchhiking tag with
a hurricane.
After too many tours
and DI assignments
you still pursued art
your dream
ever your dream.

How many times
we found the time
to catch up, yet
it was not enough.
Through several cities and
regions of the country
you wandered
and I always imagined you
drawing dusty ruins
coaxing the sites to yield
evidence of ancient people.

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Latest Comments

  • 3 years ago

    by Sunshine

    This is really touchy and heartfelt. I miss those moving poems from you. This really touched me GodPA <3 The wording is just so naturally deep and raw. As if it came right from your wandering feelings off your heart.

  • 3 years ago

    by Poet on the Piano

    A beautiful ode and remembrance of this friend. I felt the sadness in not being able to say that last goodbye, but always seeming to miss them in other times in your life. Having a chance to catch up here and there, and fondly remembering them and wishing their spirit the best, whether that is rest or travel like the adventures you always imagined them having.

    • 3 years ago

      by Larry Chamberlin

      Thank you, both. It was written moments after learning of his death.

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