Michael Anthony
Michael Anthony
Jul 20, 2022

Getting There

I felt fortunate to arrive here
with the experience of many trips around our sun
I was missing some pieces though

In this place, I have my collection
of the departed, those I miss dearly
All that they were
and all they would ever be,
revisited over and over
in the realm of grief

But grief has a better purpose,
though it takes its' time to reveal itself
Ambling through my emotions, as it will

Accompanying me on a journey to acceptance
Teaching me to tend to my own heart
without those who are no longer here

About This Poem

Style/Type: Free verse

Review Request Direction: What did you think of my title?
What did you think of the rhythm or pattern or pacing?
How does this theme appeal to you?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?

Review Request Intensity: I appreciate moderate constructive criticism

Editing Stage: Editing - polished draft

About the Author

Region, Country: San Francisco Bay Area - USA, USA

Favorite Poets: Bukowski

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Comments

Rosewood Apothecary

Good poem. Rings true. The title: really interesting choice. On the journey of life there’s only getting there. Goals but no finish line.

Great job,
Tim

Candlewitch

how many holes can a heart sustain before it shreds into fragments? before it cannot go on? if you know the answer to that question, I'd appreciate you sharing it with me. my heart resembles Swiss cheese. Jess(my beloved elf) Ian, Moonman etc. I miss them terribly. good poem.

*hugs, Cat

Does anyone remember (the) Professor?

Lavender

Greetings, Michael!

Your title seems perfect for your poem. I love the transition from feeling fortunate, yet aware that something was missing. Grief, though it is horrible, seems to open our hearts to the purest form of acceptance of our own mortality, and the greatest level of gratitude for those we lost. The way you described grief as in a realm is wonderful - it has so many layers and sensations. "Getting There" is definitely about figuring out how to tend to our own hearts, though I'm not certain we ever truly arrive. The ending may feel a bit lonely, but I do sense there is also a spark of hope. Beautiful.

Thank you!

Lavender