9/26/2011

Not That It Matters

Not that it matters, but…
Twenty-five is way too young to die,
And death is an awfully permanent way to
discover you aren’t immortal.

Not that it matters, but…
OK, so it wasn’t your fault. Still, if you’d looked
Around, you’d have seen thousands of giant raptors
Piloted by idiots, all blind to see you coming.

Not that it matters, but…
So sorry to tell you this, but that macho hunk
Of iron wedged between your legs didn’t do
One damn thing to make you seem like more of a man.

Not that it matters, but…
I think you died of poor judgment, posturing, a lack
Of true belief in yourself, and most of all, selfishness.
The moment of death was just a logical outcome.

Not that it matters, but…
I’m so angry at you. Your family weeps, their lives
Changed forever as yours crashed to an end.  
And I bet you never gave that a thought, did you?

Not that it matters, but…
If you weren’t dead, I’d want to hit you, scream at you,
Tell you to grow the fuck up. But that’s just me.
Not that any of it matters. You’re still just as dead.

***

If you are a fan of poetry, be sure to check out the dVerse Poets Pub. It's Open Link Night and you'll find a lot of great poets hanging out there.
Posted by PattiKen
Labels: , ,

22 comments:

  1. Grandmother MarySeptember 26, 2011 at 12:48 PM

    And 25 is old enough to have some of those realizations and make better choices. How heartbreaking for his family. It's maddening though, isn't it?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sherry Blue SkySeptember 26, 2011 at 12:55 PM

    What a powerful poem, Patti! Wow. He chose a permanent solution to a temporary problem and his family now will carry that pain for the rest of their lives. Such strong writing. It packs a punch.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Monkey ManSeptember 26, 2011 at 1:13 PM

    Not that it matters, but....
    You have reached out and touched us.
    Reminding us of an unnecessary death in our lives.
    Fifty-six was too young.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Brian MillerSeptember 26, 2011 at 1:31 PM

    powerful write patti...yeah that chunk of iron gets quitea few in trouble...sad to see them die so so young...

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kevin RouthSeptember 26, 2011 at 2:33 PM

    I saw your link on the 'Poetry Pantry'. I am so glad I clicked over to read this! So poignant and painful... Beautifully written from your heart.

    ReplyDelete
  6. JaniceSeptember 26, 2011 at 5:32 PM

    Whew! This really packs a punch. And is sadly true. I've lived this one and felt these feelings.

    ReplyDelete
  7. UnknownSeptember 26, 2011 at 11:07 PM

    I used to ride. I LOVED my motor. But I gave it up because I knew that the rest of the idiots on the road were out there to make sure I stayed on my toes. One slip and I knew I'd be done. So I quit.

    I wish he had, too.

    Truly. My sympathies to that family.

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousSeptember 26, 2011 at 11:12 PM

    So sad. Your pain and anger is palpable. I am so moved by this.

    ReplyDelete
  9. steveroniSeptember 26, 2011 at 11:58 PM

    Well...it DOES matter, dammmmit! You almost make me want to sell my motor scooter, which I ride EVERYWHERE from the Post Office in Naples, FL...to the State of Virginia. I'll think it over for 20 more years--hey, I'd be age 98 then. Make that TEN more years?!!!

    Still feel like crap, so tired of this being TIRED! Going to a meeting in morning (on scooter, of course) NMW (No Matter What!)

    Thanks for asking, give me a chance to vent--grin!

    ReplyDelete
  10. TomSeptember 27, 2011 at 4:27 AM

    nuts. Well told. Of course you know, youth only learns by their own mistakes...sometimes it's a big mistake.

    ReplyDelete
  11. G-ManSeptember 27, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    Well, I ride!
    And I'd enjoy it lots more if I didn't have to ride so defensivly.
    I can't quit because of other idiots.
    Loved your post Patticake.
    You ALWAYS Rock The Planet My Friend....G

    ReplyDelete
  12. TashtooSeptember 27, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    Wow! Anger, frustration, so much angst and power in your words. 25 is way too young...but at the same time, 25 is old enough to know better...Amazing share

    ReplyDelete
  13. UnspokenSeptember 27, 2011 at 6:55 PM

    It matters... It always does for every life left impacted by the one who is gone. You nailed it.

    ReplyDelete
  14. author.nara.maloneSeptember 27, 2011 at 7:12 PM

    Well done. You made it matter to me.

    ReplyDelete
  15. AnonymousSeptember 27, 2011 at 8:36 PM

    Totally, totally inside things here.... emotions overflowing...... Anger is the part of death I have trouble with too.... this is beautiful...

    ReplyDelete
  16. ayalaSeptember 27, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    powerful and heartbreaking.

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousSeptember 28, 2011 at 1:11 AM

    Heartwrenching. Too many go too young...and worst of all is when such youth snatches it from themselves...there is anger in the aftermath, and sadness, and so much frustrated longing...fine display.

    ReplyDelete
  18. ClaudiaSeptember 28, 2011 at 1:22 AM

    much pain in this patti..so sad..and think everyone can understand the anger coming with it..

    ReplyDelete
  19. Cathy FeasterSeptember 28, 2011 at 3:31 AM

    such a sad powerful and honest poem!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Mark KerstetterSeptember 28, 2011 at 12:34 PM

    I like this poem, its direct, frank honest energy. I guess that hunk of metal was a motorcycle? I've always wanted one but have never gotten one - far too dangerous.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Rosemary Nissen-WadeOctober 1, 2011 at 7:40 PM

    Sad story, brilliant poem. I feel it with you as I read

    ReplyDelete
  22. JamieDedesOctober 7, 2011 at 12:56 AM

    Nothing short of brilliant. You nailed it, Patti. These days I'm beginning to think that dying before you are 85 or 90 is just to darn young ... Well, still spinning from some recent deaths and then the very public one of Steve Jobs.

    ReplyDelete

Thoughts? I would love to hear from you.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)