Sherwood Anderson

[tonywalt]

He died of alcoholism
alone
wrapped in a blanket
on a deck chair
of a cruise liner

all his books about
loneliness

all his stories about
the cruelty of a
loveless life

were all that was left
of him

A strolling cruiser, also
on vacation discovered his body

and notified the captain

and he was quickly moved to
a hidden part of the boat
and nothing more was
said about him

as everything continued on
around him, as he had written it.

[Pompey Bum]

Very affecting, Tony. The last five words save it from sentimentality. For better or worse, we write our own stories. Great poem.

[tonywalt]

Thanks. My stuff that sounds sentimental is carefully aiming for cynicism, from the get go. (I hope)

[Pompey Bum]

Thanks. My stuff that sounds sentimental is carefully aiming for cynicism, from the get go. (I hope)

This one was very effective--like music with a solemn chord at the end.

[kiz_paws]

Poignantly beautiful, Tony.

[tonywalt]

Poignantly beautiful, Tony.

Thanks!