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 










Comments

  1. Really beautiful words and a joy to read.
    Yvonne.

    ReplyDelete
  2. The ending was unexpected. I like this.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh, I really like the way you worded these sections:

    "the only thing stopping him
    from falling into the cold dark drink"

    "he stood right there
    and cast his roses"

    ReplyDelete
  4. Those 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.

    ReplyDelete
  5. There 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

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  6. Lord, have mercy on those who suffer so ...

    ReplyDelete
  7. The poignancy, the wistful sadness, the observation and not knowing, is touching.
    Casting roses for suicide is an interesting and hurtfully beautiful image.

    Randy

    ReplyDelete

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