65 Comments
Jun 24Liked by Paul Wittenberger

Beautiful, Paul! Love the empathy that comes from the one dying here. Well done.

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I was hoping that feeling of empathy came through, Angie. I think the poem tries to make the point death is a process not only for the dying. Thank you

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Jun 24Liked by Paul Wittenberger

It did. The empathetic beings among us are often focused on others’s feelings, despite experiencing our own suffering/mortality. It’s a beautiful thing, to my thinking.

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after being offline for a while, I am always soothed when reading something from you. Thank you once again for the way you beautifully place a phrase …. 💖

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Thank you, Pamela, and welcome back!

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Jun 24Liked by Paul Wittenberger

This is really wonderful. The repetition of “if you cry I’ll understand” brings tears to my eyes. It brings my father’s death (10 years ago) but to this moment. Thank you Paul.

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Thank you, Teyani

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Jun 24Liked by Paul Wittenberger

I do believe some fine day I’ll remember this, and that day too I’ll be glad I did. Lovely. Thank you, Paul.

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Thank you, Roy

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So beautiful!

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Thank you, Mary

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Jun 24Liked by Paul Wittenberger

My big brother’s name is Jacob. He is the best man alive on earth today.

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Jun 24Liked by Paul Wittenberger

He checks up on me on Wednesdays.

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Jun 25Liked by Paul Wittenberger

Touching.

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Thank you, Harun

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Jun 25Liked by Paul Wittenberger

Wonderful.

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Thanks, Ron

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Beautiful poem of letting go for the one left behind. ox

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Thank you, Deborah

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Beautiful

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Thank you, Troy

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Jun 24Liked by Paul Wittenberger

So beautiful and touching, Paul.

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Thanks, Monica

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One of the most beautiful and poignant poems I've ever read.. 🙏❤

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Thank you, Finding Grace

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Jun 24Liked by Paul Wittenberger

Powerful and yet wise words Jacob will understand better one day 💙

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Thank you, Diane

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Jun 24Liked by Paul Wittenberger

I have saved this one Paul and I shall read it many times. Thank you ❤

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Thank you, April, that is so kind of you

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Take me. I’ll go willingly. Free to soar holding hands. When time permits expire at the parking spot and no more coins are left, better to move if you can, cause meter maid nearby is making rounds and hate to pay the ticket fee for shopping and that last glass of wine dining with you was well worth waiting right to last drop. L’chime.

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Thank you, Richard

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Jun 24Liked by Paul Wittenberger

"and if you cry

I'll understand—it's hard

it's hard

to watch me die"

Hugs Paul. Yes grief is a process, a journey we wouldn't choose but we all face in our time here, but what touches me most in this poem is that Gary is your twin. Love this poem

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Thank you, Sharon. I appreciate your kind words during this difficult time. I guess part of my process is to write.

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Jun 24Liked by Paul Wittenberger

"part of my process is to write". Indeed. Your words have touched many, soothed so many, empathized with many. It's your turn Paul to experience the balm you have given so many others. Gary left on his own terms. You did all you could. You held his hand and let him go. That is a gift in my eyes Paul that you gave Gary.

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Thank you, Sharon.

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