casting roses
once i saw a jumper standing on the bridge
over the twirly cold waters of the Piscataqua river
the only thing stopping him
from falling into the cold dark drink
was the arms of the emergency personnel wrapped tightly around him
i happened to be following a friend to a meeting at seven o'clock that morning
I could only spare a glance at the line of flashing lights
in the rear view mirror
later that afternoon on the way home
there was no sign
of his spell
but I know
that he stood right there
and cast his roses
Arresting images!
ReplyDeleteReally beautiful words and a joy to read.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
The ending was unexpected. I like this.
ReplyDeleteOh, I really like the way you worded these sections:
ReplyDelete"the only thing stopping him
from falling into the cold dark drink"
"he stood right there
and cast his roses"
What a moving story.
ReplyDeleteThose little instances in life observed and not forgotten remind us of the sadness and tragedy of others lives while we fuss about mundane things. What a great post this is.
ReplyDeleteThere is a fragile beauty in this tragedy - the arms wrapped around him..doing their best but not the same as the one he needs..and the casting of roses such a moving image to leave us with..life goes on...i am glad there are kind people who freeze these moments and remind us that along with pain are people who care
ReplyDeleteLord, have mercy on those who suffer so ...
ReplyDeletelovely
ReplyDeleteThe poignancy, the wistful sadness, the observation and not knowing, is touching.
ReplyDeleteCasting roses for suicide is an interesting and hurtfully beautiful image.
Randy