every line [goodbye&goodnight]

By Six-Out




I drink. tonight.
and scream- as if the stars are listening.
I want to write my father a letter.
and tell him.
that I can hold my liquor
better than he ever held me.

and I ask meekly.
that you- 'don.t stop loving.me'
even though. I'm often wondering
if you even started.

I want to write on under-the-bridge walls.
and scribble on bathroom stalls.
that I have nothing but my glass and my pen.
both of which- are running a little on the empty side
and I want to kiss my soul with vodka lips
and drink to remembrance.
here's a toast. father, dear. I never loved you.


and I want to scream- in symbolic metaphors
that poetry is useless. because we're all going to die.
and I'm hoping one day- I can forget _you.
and start living. for -me.

so don't ask for your forgiveness-
because retribution is for the weak. and I'm a stronger man
without you. so walk on. high horse on your back
down that golden road- and hope the reflection
doesn't blind you.

because if you never see me again. I want
this last image in your head.


that this is me.
done- with you.

Unauthorized Copying Is Prohibited. Ask the author first.
© 2007 Jon Rodgers
Published on Tuesday, March 6, 2007.     Filed under: "Poetry"
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Comments on "every line [goodbye&goodnight]"

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  • Jonas Robinson On Wednesday, December 9, 2020, Jonas Robinson (867)By person wrote:

    I would like to say that to my dad too. I enjoyed this because it was an elaborate conveyance of the ironies of relationships with disfunction. Thank you for sharing and congrats on poem of the day. :)

  • cre On Friday, May 4, 2012, cre (411)By person wrote:

    I like it. My own "father dear" died a few years ago. It was a relief. Like taking a real, full breath after years of being half strangled. I miss you, six.

  • Six-Out On Saturday, May 5, 2012, Six-Out (1435)By person wrote:

    I'm around sometimes. You have my number. Don't be a stranger.

  • Savannah On Friday, April 27, 2007, Savannah (218)By person wrote:

    I love the last two lines the best. Very brave.

  • A former member wrote: "...and I want to scream- in symbolic metaphors that poetry is useless. because we're all going to die" Gods, do you ever stop being beautiful?

  • Carmina Gitana On Monday, March 26, 2007, Carmina Gitana (152)By person wrote:

    This is strong and tormented and cold and fiery all at the same time. The third stanza was especially stunning. Great.

  • carlosjackal On Friday, March 16, 2007, carlosjackal (3010)By person wrote:

    Honesty and beauty rolled together in one poem. Oh, and integrity, too, to make the hat-trick. Reading this makes me appreciate that my Dad is still with my Mum. Thank You.

  • xX pretty vacant Xx On Thursday, March 15, 2007, xX pretty vacant Xx (64)By person wrote:

    this knocked me out. sorry to be an ass kisser but the amount of emotion that came out of this was amazing. you are incredibly talented x

  • zanewill On Sunday, March 11, 2007, zanewill (84)By person wrote:

    Great Celebratory Wryt>> the healing is deep,man...thank yahweh/ahleshekia/what-ever!!that we have our poetry 2 get this outside of our selves or it would probably kill some of us

  • CorruptedLittleGirl On Saturday, March 10, 2007, CorruptedLittleGirl (253)By person wrote:

    Man, I wish I could articulate good enough feedback for this poem. Every line is dripping with raw emotion. "And hope the reflection doesn't blind you." Something about that stanza in particular really hit home for me. Just, wow.

  • PoeticHellion On Thursday, March 8, 2007, PoeticHellion (191)By person wrote:

    Damn.

  • Swift On Wednesday, March 7, 2007, Swift (35)By person wrote:

    This was amazing. The first stanza got my attention completely. ~Amber

  • nur hidayah On Wednesday, March 7, 2007, nur hidayah (116)By person wrote:

    This was so maddeningly, drunkenly sad. It is so deeply personal. I felt like I'm intruding a vulnerable moment. Thank you for sharing this.

  • Dei On Wednesday, March 7, 2007, Dei (665)By person wrote:

    kudos

  • blue On Wednesday, March 7, 2007, blue (1454)By person wrote:

    now what did i say?

  • Six-Out On Wednesday, March 7, 2007, Six-Out (1435)By person wrote:

    lie still and be a good little girl?

  • blue On Saturday, March 10, 2007, blue (1454)By person wrote:

    o.O)) yes daddy

  • A former member wrote: Holy moly. This was so cut throat and from the heart. I loved the opening stanza. Well fucking done


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