Unpublished Works
Ode to Cornelia
Yes my best friend
Through the years many times
You asked
I said no
To something I felt
But dared not say
For in you was adventure discovery laughter
Oh my God laughter
Example?
Dragging your mattress up six flights
Losing our grip
Only to watch it fall
Tumble really
We laughed with hysteria
As it crashed
To the ground floor
A metaphor for all to come
And God knows
Already had befallen
Tragically before
You picked me up when no one could
You gave me truth
Reason to believe
When no one could
Reason to believe
What?
Yes I could love again
How do you tell someone everything anytime?
Every detail?
This was our truth equally
You didn't go
I did
I see it was me
I left
Only now I do know
What I didn't know
That was the last time
After so many years
The last time I would see you
I saw you
I still see you clearly
Laying there
Sound asleep
Your own broken-hearted hand of fate
Hurting you
Killing you inside and out
Love left
Our symbiotic pain
It's only now
I see what I failed to perceive
My friend
My very dearest friend
In the eternal evening light
When I think of you effortlessly
Often always
All we've done
All we did
Laughter through the poignant years
Ecstasy ending in despair
Somehow though the explanation's not mine
Those years mean more than any other decade
Cornelia I love you
I've never said it before
But here you go
You always wanted me
To say
I love you
And I do
From Jerry to Bob
Magically lighting our manor
On the mountain
With all
The strange journeys we've shared
Re-igniting life
This you gave me
During our time of
Joint existence
A time
The time
When I could love
We could love
With an unbridled God-given
Free-spirited
Love
In you I see
A life your brilliant life
Our life – ease
But why? Tell me
Help me
Yours –
Your being extinguished too soon
You must now know?
Old friend
In the afterlife dube
Ready to hand
You'll let me know
My journey
Not at its end
Not yet I don't think
Did you know?
No matter for
I'll see you waiting
When I ultimately
We all inevitably
Pass through the door
Walk we will
Till evening light and beyond
Greeting the forever dawn
Once again carefree
But this time
Pain-free
From love
Young love
That captivated you
And God knows me
"Ode to Cornelia" is a heartfelt tribute to a college friend I lost touch with who passed away suddenly at the age of 54. It captures the deep sense of loss and cherished memories we shared.
The lyrics explore deep and poignant themes of long-time friendship, love, loss, and nostalgia. They speak to a close bond with a best friend, the laughter and adventures shared, and the pain of losing that friend. The words convey a strong sense of reminiscing about the past, with a mixture of joy and sorrow and a realization of the depth of the friendship only after the loss.
Each verse delves into different aspects of the relationship and the emotions felt. The Sentiments are reflective, summarizing the emotions and realizations of the verses providing a deeper introspection into the pain and the shared experiences, emphasizing the emotional impact of the friendship.
The ending brings a sense of closure, looking forward to a reunion in the afterlife, free from pain.
Metaphor: The mattress falling is a metaphor for the highs and lows of life.
Imagery: Vivid descriptions of shared experiences create a strong visual impact.
Repetition: Repeating phrases like 'I love you' and 'I see you', emphasize the emotional weight and realization.