Tommy

Photo/Poem, Photographs, Poem 1 Minute

We began in the same house,
two boys at the same table,
same passions passing back and forth
like playing catch.

Always knowing,
never having to ask.

Years later
I put down the glass
and questioned everything.

You stood on the other side of that
as if I had closed a door.

Moving forward.
A ring. A home.
My life moving one way,
yours another.

I called.
I wrote.
I left the porch light on.

Nothing.

Then the telephone rang:
fifty-one,
his heart,
sudden.

A few ordinary words
and every door locked at once.

Twenty-five years today.

Some days I still want
to pound on that door.
Other days I sit beside it
and remember two boys
who knew nothing yet
about leaving.

This morning
the chair across from me
is pulled out slightly—

just enough
for my younger brother
to sit down and say hi.

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Published by davestankowicz

Dave Stankowicz is a retired educator who lives on an island off the coast of Portland, Maine with his wife Debbie Jordan and their dog Cody. Liberated from the responsibilities of teaching he has found the space and time to pursue so much that interests him. Dave is the former host of the WMPG radio show Palm Wine Radio, and currently hosts Next To Silence - an hour long show that explores different themes, genres, artists and record labels. Next to Silence can be streamed live on Peaks Island Radio at https://peaksislandradio.com on Mondays and Fridays @ 7:00 PM EDT, and Tuesdays @noon. You can also stream archived shows at his site (category: next to silence) He continues his lifelong efforts to master space and time.

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8 thoughts on “Tommy”

  4. Dave,I’ve read your poetry many times but have never been as moved as I was when reading about Tommy. Your words perfectly capture the complexity of relationships, especially of family relationships. You and he look so much alike. EEmily Magal130 Island AvenuePeaks Island, ME 04108240-460-8770 (mobile)207-766-2509 (home)

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