A Sorrowful Joy

A poem written for and submitted to the 2023 Cobh Readers and Writers International Poetry Competition. To view the festival website, click here.



On an eve like this, with that day approaching

I feel your loss like an ache encroaching
It ebbs and flows, an ever-present pain
Like December’s frost on a windowpane

A shimmering light, a twinkling star
My thoughts are set on a time so far
When you performed, you sang, you played
Your talent and passion on great display

To know you’ve felt the same as me
In a room full of people but still lonely
Anxious, sad, worried, and blue
You accomplished so much, so maybe I can, too

A kind soul, an honest man, a heart so true
All things they said when asked of you
Saw the world, praised God, gave thanks
Eased touring tension with silly pranks

No brass ring, no gold watch, no ivory tower
Was humility your superpower?
Too many accolades to choose just a few
You’re so deeply missed — if only you knew!

© Kelly Munro 2023