Absence

at the cemetery overgrown grass covers her neglected grave my guilty conscience searches for an excuse to justify my absence - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - This poetry form is called "Cherita". (Usually tells a story) It consists of 6 lines (no rhyme or any specific syllable count). It is made up of 3 separate stanzas: a single line, a couplet and a tercet. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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Judy Ball

Date: 4/2/2021 8:36:00 AM

Well said Paul. Often when someone we love down deep but can't get along with is finally gone from our life we feel guilty for any feelings we may have of peace. We search for a reason not to visit the grave or the old homestead. I had that feeling about my mom. She was an extremely selfish person who was hungry for love but didn't know how to show it herself. Well done. God Bless, JB

Paul Callus
Date: 4/2/2021 12:35:00 PM

You explained it better than I could have, Judy! Thank you for the insightful comments. Blessings // paul

Eileen Manassian

Date: 4/1/2021 8:39:00 PM

Thanks for acquainting me with a new form. You've used it so well to convey the depth of meaning in your lines.

Paul Callus
Date: 4/2/2021 6:29:00 AM

And I should thank you for the honour of your visit, Eileen! You have been missed. In a way the Cherita is related to a Tanka, especially the turn towards the end. Take care, my friend. Hugs x // paul

Phyllis Babcock

Date: 3/17/2021 1:30:00 PM

This one makes you think as you see so many neglected graves around. It is only a marker that they were once here but do not reside here any longer. Still nice to keep it trimmed and kept. Deep thoughts in this poem. love phyl

Paul Callus
Date: 3/20/2021 10:21:00 AM

Thank you, Phyllis. Visiting the graves of our beloved ones is a sign of respect, and a way to keep us 'connected' even in their absence. ~ Best regards // paul

Susan Ashley

Date: 3/14/2021 5:51:00 PM

Dear Paul, I just had to stop and read this moving poem once more as its essence has clung to my consciousness.. I love how you manage to convey the depth of tangled emotional layers with just a few deft strokes of your gifted pen. Your poetic skills never fail to impress me, my inspiring friend. Warmest wishes and hugs.. ~Susan

Paul Callus
Date: 3/15/2021 10:53:00 AM

A double thank you for a double visit, Susan!! ...and thank you for your insightful comments...cherished, as always. ~ Warm regards & hugs // paul

Joanna Daniel

Date: 3/13/2021 1:19:00 AM

A rich write and a great new form, Paul:)

Paul Callus
Date: 3/15/2021 10:03:00 AM

Thank you, Jo. Pleased to have you stopping by! Regards // paul

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 3/9/2021 10:19:00 AM

Decades ago, people used to visit cemeteries and lay wreaths on loved ones' graves. It is not done so often now. Mark Twain wrote a short story about a neglected graveyard where skeletons rose at night, picked up their coffins and were headed to a better place. Your poem reminded me of the message! Thanks for introducing us to a new form too. Hugs, Carolyn

Paul Callus
Date: 3/10/2021 6:27:00 AM

Dear Carolyn, it's a pity that some customs are being discarded; fortunately in Malta people still show a lot of respect for their departed ones. ~ Hope you are keeping well and safe my friend. Hugs // paul

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 3/8/2021 6:51:00 AM

A very effective and emotive piece. For me the loved one does not reside in that small plot of land. Blessings Rick.

Paul Callus
Date: 3/9/2021 9:58:00 AM

Thank you, Richard. That small plot is a reminder; our departed loved ones dwell above and in our hearts. ~ Regards // paul

Supraja Kannan

Date: 3/8/2021 3:43:00 AM

That's so deep!!! Thanks for sharing us a new form of poetry...

Paul Callus
Date: 3/9/2021 9:51:00 AM

Thank you, Supraja. Pleased that you liked both poem and form. Regards // paul

Alexis Y.

Date: 3/7/2021 11:13:00 AM

Hi Paul, Thanks for introducing the form. I found your write to be well written yet sad. Good and imagery. Have a wonderful day-Alexis

Paul Callus
Date: 3/9/2021 9:45:00 AM

Thank you, Alexis. I like this form, even though I have not written it often. Perhaps mine will tempt you to have a go :) Best regards // paul

Angela Crabtree

Date: 3/6/2021 6:30:00 PM

Sad words with a lot for us to ponder. hope you're having a great weekend, Paul :)

Paul Callus
Date: 3/9/2021 9:38:00 AM

Thank you for stopping by, Angela. Hope your weekend was as good as mine :) Regards // paul

Susan Ashley

Date: 3/6/2021 1:40:00 PM

Dear Paul, as one who is drawn to cemeteries, the poignant purity and beauty of this poem grabs my heart and won't let go. I also love this poetry form, a lovely frame that suits this succinct yet deeply stirring piece to perfection. Your talented pen amazes me with its haunting introspection. Warmest wishes and hugs, my wonderful friend.. ~Susan

Paul Callus
Date: 3/9/2021 9:37:00 AM

Thank you dear Susan for this lovely feedback. Like you I too am drawn to cemeteries, and have visited dozens in my lifetime! I hope you are keeping well, my friend. Warm regards & Hugs // paul

Ilene Bauer

Date: 3/6/2021 12:56:00 PM

i like the form and what you've done with it, paul! wonderful poem!

Paul Callus
Date: 3/9/2021 5:04:00 AM

Thank you for reading and commenting, Ilene. Regards // paul

Susan Woodrow

Date: 3/5/2021 4:22:00 PM

good one! life is either too busy or too tired :)

Paul Callus
Date: 3/9/2021 5:03:00 AM

True, Susan, and yet often we find a way how to make time for unimportant things!! ~ Best regards // paul

Vijay Pandit

Date: 3/5/2021 3:05:00 PM

I saw the grave--reading your poem, in your words. Picture perfect images.

Paul Callus
Date: 3/9/2021 5:01:00 AM

Thank you, Vijay. Best regards // paul

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 3/5/2021 1:46:00 PM

- A terrible sight, Paul ... sad to see they are forgotten - A form I do not know - Great written :) - Have a lovely weekend :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Paul Callus
Date: 3/7/2021 3:33:00 AM

Thank you for your feedback, Anne-Lise. This form is not listed on Soup, so it gets little or no exposure. Hope you're enjoying the weekend. Hugs // paul