Musical Chairs

We walk around the room,
Chairs in a line
to familiar tunes
much like duck, duck, Goose

Until there’s one that’s missing
and we all seek a space,
all lose time and grace
barely remember the name nor face

Musical Chairs, A sour game we children play
a preminition of another day
when one of us will fade, into the darkness
as another loses their place

We go back to musical chairs
clear the tables and dry the tears
a game that children play
never realizing how real, profound
that coming day

when we are forced to play
musical chairs
how the tunes sour, how the colors
are black and hollow
sickening scent of mums, the dying flower

Lament for a Missing Chair at the Table

I write this after the untimely death of my ex-wife. She was my soulmate in every sense of the word. There are too many details to explain and at this point, it’s pointless to describe our separation. We had a love that others would envy. 19 years ago we divorced and today she’s gone.

This poems came so naturally as the concept of playing musical chairs until we lose one. We all walk in circles, not paying attention to the people around us until there is a missing chair and then for a brief moment of chaos, we all clamor for chairs.

I understand why we do it, humans can not live in a constant state of waiting for the last moment. Do not be weary of death like a spectre at the door. Numbness is how the body protects itself from this constant harm. Notice every empty chair and cling to every shadow; to be so fearful of death to have never truly lived.

In the end, we all play musical chairs. Instead of choosing fear, walk a little slower, look a little deeper at friendships and loved ones. Connect, accept and realize the movie we live is much like playing musical chairs. Enjoy the game, laugh, love and be patient – we will all take our turn.

For More Photography by ArtbyGordon-