Sad news

I can't seem to find the words to say this, ironic isn't it that poets should have the words for most any situation. I am posting this on behalf of another member Cindy, as well as inputting some personal views. A beloved former member of this site, Billyrob as most of you older members knew him as has gained his wings and gone to heaven. On behalf of Cindy I would like to tell you all that Rob as we called him was her rock and inspiration to keep going. He was sincere, loving and generous. A true friend and always looked out for the underdog as many of you may remember from past arguments on the site. He was a Christian and loved God, so I am comforted in knowing he is in Heaven. Cindy found true friendship in his words of poetry and in his voice over the phone as a comforter. I have been on this site nearly 10 years and he was the first ever person to comment on my poetry. He just so happens to be the only person I have personally met from the site. Rob was genuine, kind, loving, funny, sincere, feisty, caring and so many more qualities I am at a loss for words for. Please leave thoughts remembrances and condolences here. Thank you all. Cindy and Kay

Very sad new indeed Kay. I remember Billyrob with much affection. He was a great poet and a wonderful human being. Very much a gentleman with a huge heart. I'm very sad to hear this news...my thoughts and condolences are with everyone who knew him better than I did. RIP Rob.

He was my mentor and teacher and if it were not for him I would have never written a poem of kind. I counted him as a friend and he was a valued member of Phoenix Rising. Knowing how much he loved to rhyme poetry, I can see him in heaven teaching people how to write, count syllables and rhyme. Rest In Peace, you will be missed.

Very sweet and kind person, sad news :-(

Just thought some members, who are not familiar with Billyrob's poetry, may like to read and enjoy his verses as much as I do...

http://www.thestarlitecafe.com/perl-bin/base/search.cgi?type=&fuz=&keywords=&from_poem=yes&name=billyrob&e=&new_hits_seen=30&sort_by=title

Thank you Hellon.

Hello, Kay. It's me, Samia and I hope everything has been going well with you.

Such a great poet and and a very friendly gentleman.
I still remember how all of the members were waiting for each new poem of his, for having depth, story, wisdom and exceptional rhyming.
This site included very distinguished personalities we don't meet very often. May his soul rest in peace.
My deepest condolence for your loss and for Cindy as well.

My most favourite poem from Billyrob....

Things To Leave Behind

I'll watch closely as you pack things today,
preparing to take your love far away.
Some things I need, so they shouldn't go,
here is a few of them, just so you know.

Your eyes I gaze into, so let them stay
behind with me to see everyday.
Your beautiful hair, please leave it behind,
it loves my touch, I hope you don't mind.

No way can you ever take away your face,
if its' beauty is gone it will ruin the place.
I've made a place for your hands over there,
we have to use them to run through my hair.

Your wonderful scent, I sure need to keep
beside me in bed to be able to sleep.
Would you be kind enough to leave me your smile?
I've found it helps me feel quite worthwhile.

Your charm, your wit, and personality, too,
how will I get by if they go with you?
The lips that kiss me and make me alive,
without them how will I ever survive?

Don't take your companionship, I need it still,
come to think of it, I always will.
For heavens sake, leave me all of your heart,
without its' love, I'll fall apart.

I know you had planned on them going with you,
but honey I need them as much as you do.
Perhaps, you might change your mind and share,
I promise I love you enough to be fair.

If we try one more time, we'll both turn out fine,
I'll give it my all, cause it's all on the line.
Remember, you told me we made quite a team,
so leave you here, you're half of our dream.

RIP

This is really sad..like really sad, I met Billy at Phoenix Rising, he was an amazing person, and on the personal level we had contact through gmail, however it's been a LONG while since we last spoke.

May his soul rest in peace, he is in a better place.
the only bad thing about being a member for long while and sticking around for an even longer while is watching people leave.

May his soul rest, I'm sorry for all of you who've known him well for you loss <3
please send Cindy my condolences, and greetings.

Although I do not know him, his legacy is obviously great and I find his poetry touching. Thank you for letting everyone know, Kay. The world and many people have lost a great soul.

Kay has asked my to post this poem for her. It's her favourite by Billyrob and she's having some problems copying it herself...

Empty Breasts

Quite tired from work, I lay down to nap,
But was awoken by a gentle tap.
I opened my eyes to see who this might be
And saw a strange woman beckoning me.

Slowly, I stood up to find a strange place,
Saw tears falling down this woman's face.
She was crying for a child held to her chest,
trying to feed it with two empty breasts.

Walking barefooted on a floor made of dirt,
Nothing to do, but hold him and hurt.
Running from the tent, I screamed at two men,
Begging them, please, feed the people within.

At first, came this feeling I saved both their lives,
Until, both walked in with machetes and knives.
Each man laughed walking out of the tent,
Instead of life it was death I had sent.

Now, no longer crying, they both lay on the floor,
Still holding her child, but he hungered no more.
I fell to my knees and asked of God, why?
For hours, it seemed, I continued to cry.

Then, I woke up; it had just been a dream,
Amazing, how very real it did seem.
Genocide is real, how could they dare,
Or is it worse the world doesn't care?

By Billyrob

© 2012 Billyrob (All rights reserved)

He is back in spirit

http://www.poems-and-quotes.com/discussion/topic.html?topic_id=130665

I suspected at least one poet may have contributed to the inspiration of the above poem posted by Hellon

Very sad news, thoughts and Love to his friends and family. RIP Rob x

This is very disheartening.
I had privilege to know such humble soul through this site. Very kind & always ready to share his wisdom...infact even his poems itself had so much to teach.
Last Sunday only me & Cindy were praying for him as none of us been able to get in touch with him lately. His health has been deteriorating since last year but then he never shared everything with Cindy just to ensure she doesn't start worrying.

RIP

Yes sad news indeed.. I didn't really know him that well but hope his family is dealing with his loss

I met him when i belonged to phoenix rising. this is sad.rip my friend.

This is the poem that introduced me to Rob. I saw it on this saw and asked him if I could use it on my blog. He said of course as long as you give me credit. After this we did become friends and as I said he became my teacher and mentor.

Yesterdays by Billy rob (Bill Hopkins)

I searched in all our secret places
and I know they are not there.
When you left, you either took them
or hid them all away somewhere.

I saw them quite clearly yesterday,
they were right before my eyes.
They still held the hopes and dreams
that today I know were lies.

I admit you have me quite confused
as to why you made them part,
but with you gone it doesn't matter
if I never see them start.

If you took them with you, keep them,
I cannot use them, anyway.
Tomorrows can never really come
when one lives in yesterdays.

Copyrigh ©2006 Billy Rob Hopkins Used with permission

One of my favorite poets from this site!! A genuinely nice guy... May he rest in peace

I was thinking about Billyrob the other day and wondering when I would see him around on PnQ again. He left a lasting impression on me. A very positive one. So sad to learn I'll never see him post again and that he'll never again share his insightful opinions with us. He was an inspirational, kind, passionate person, and an asset to the atmosphere here. I'm especially sorry for those of you who knew him on a more personal level than me. Can't imagine the loss you must feel.

Very sad to hear of this news, any interactions I had with Billyrob on here were always very positive, whether it was commenting on poems, discussions on the main boards or club challenges. RIP.

Rest in peace, Billyrob, you were a good person and an outstanding poet.

Thanks for informing us, Kay.