Sunday, January 8, 2012

Doll

By Joseph Hesch

Sophie lies there, her face shining
from moisturizer Nurse just applied.
From above, her Sid thinks she looks
like a little doll, eyes closed, like they're
painted on. Sophie’s younger sister, Judy,
born during the Hoover administration,
is led to her bedside and
carries on the one-way conversation,
she always has, mostly about Judy.
Nearby, Nurse thinks Judy's buying in
to a Beatitude, hoping to win valuable prizes
in the hereafter. Sid knows she’s not making up
for lost years when she didn't speak to Sophie.

In twilight haze, Sophie wonders when she can go home.

Nurse half-listens to a story she has heard
so many times before. Who has had it worse,
better, smarter, richer, holier,prettier than anyone else.
"You've got the right idea, honey,"Nurse thinks.
"Go to sleep."
Sophie curls a tiny smile where before was
a tight dash, making all around her happy.
She barely listens to Judy, as if she is one
of these blinking sonorous machines that have
been her cold companions for the past months.
Sophie knows it's only for a little while more.
And now she hears them singing.
In the darkness Sophie sees her Sid's face,
and feels the bright joy of release.
“Hi, doll. Been waiting for you,” he says.

And Sophie, her face radiant, knows she’s home.


Your crabby poet guy Joe tells a semi-true story of very-true love. This was going to be part of a short story. It probably still will. (That's often how it works for me: a poem begets a story.) In this story-poem (or is it a poem-story?), loved ones get together after a long absence from one another. One reunion is not so good, the other is rapturous.

30 comments:

  1. Lovely, sad & poignant, Joe ...romantic Poet Guy is on top form. xo

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  2. anything with beatitude... in it. i dig it

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  3. Chills reading this one Joe. A little surprise twist to the end, then peace at last. I work with the elderly. This one really touched me. Nice, my friend.

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  4. touching and happy that Sophie got to go home..bkm

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  5. good to go peaceful and know there's someone waiting... fine and sensitive write joe

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  6. beautiful. and so honest, this life is filled with these contradictions of love.
    a wonderful story-poem-story.

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  7. sweet reunion... and so real

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  8. wow... this is deep. Sad, and happy at the same time. Well done.

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  9. a wonderful and touching verse, really brought forth the emotion with this one, nicely done.

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  10. Amazing and great ending. Me liked!

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  11. oh man, that ending was sad & brought a smile at the same time... heartbreaking story

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  12. A great job of circling back to the beginning. Life gathers together in so small a space.

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  13. reminds me of my grandmas passing, Joe. The way she looked up and smiled as if she saw a familiar face. This is so touching. You are a magical writer! Beautiful!

    http://magicinthebackyard.wordpress.com/2012/01/10/nightlights/

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  14. You nailed the ending on this one. Wonderful write about a painful experience.

    http://charleslmashburn.wordpress.com/2012/01/10/the-sun-came-up-again-4/

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  15. Poignant poem - love this one Joe - the contrast is so so effective

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  16. I like the way you described her life and what might be coming her way, a reunion with her loved one.

    Nice reflection on these family reunions ~

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  17. Joe, I hope this continues to be the story it wants to be. I'll be watching for it. After getting such a grip on my attention with this write, I would be devastated to miss the next installment (please say there is one).

    Engaging and enthralling. You've left me wanting more. Bravo!

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  18. Love this:

    "She barely listens to Judy, as if she is one
    of these blinking sonorous machines that have
    been her cold companions for the past months"

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  19. Kind of chilling, but of course, it describes (well) a truly difficult situation. K.

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  20. Wow. Love the story in this one Joe. Thank you. Beautiful.

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  21. So sweet to think this will happen when we die (and I definitely do!). Very touching, Joe.

    http://lkkolp.wordpress.com/2012/01/10/bare-love/

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  22. it's so touching and real, reminds me of my grandparents

    thanks for your amazing comments on my page, and thanks for visiting toooo

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  23. Wonderful shifts in points of view here provide some chilly levels for me. A haunter.

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  24. Two thumbs up, Joe. One for each story....

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  25. poignant - so well written - a natural storytelling style here - great stuff!

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  26. This is well done. The movement through the poem captures so much feeling. Makes my heart hurt and sing at the same time.

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  27. This had me hanging on every word. The pathos is very effective.

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  28. Joe, it's been a while since I visited, but the subject of this story is a reminder not to let 'life' get in the way of what's important to us all. This poem brought a lump to my throat, as have several of your poems. So, nothing changes in my view of your abilities to tell a story. You're a natural, Joe. Thank you for putting this poem up here.

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  29. Joe, since you have "A Thing for Words," would you consider participating in my weekly Monday Melting poetry prompt? I think you'll find it interesting.

    http://rosemarymint.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/monday-melting-week-2/

    ~Shawna

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