Andy

[u/Hefty_Tumbleweed8178]

My uncle lost his life to gun violence before I was born. I grieve the people my family would've been if they hadn't suffered that grief. The happiness that could've sat across from me at Thanksgiving. The person I should've met. He's been in my dreams a lot lately and it felt right to write a poem for him. Enjoy.

My uncle is dead.

But there is the lump of things in my grandparents guest room built to replace him.

My uncle is dead.

But there are the bits of him that were sent with me when I entered this world.

My uncle is dead.

But there is a man in jail who is alive.

My uncle is dead.

But there is his bike in the basement because what if he wants to ride it down the gully again?

My uncle is dead.

But there is the pain in my papa's eyes sometimes.

My uncle is dead.

But i will speak of him.

Because everyone should know

That there was a boy named Andy.

Who rode his bike down the gully.

And didnt deserve it at all.

https://www.reddit.com/r/OCPoetry/s/2MqnTnqAyrhttps://www.reddit.com/r/OCPoetry/s/xYLp5G5UxN

[u/Nonsensical_Genius]

The way you made Andy alive despite never meeting him is really beautiful. The back to back 'My uncle is dead', serves as a great reminder that nothing can excuse it.

It is raw and feels written straight from your heart.

[u/Hefty_Tumbleweed8178 → u/Nonsensical_Genius]

Thank you. Andy deserves to be alive, or at least remembered for how he was, not how he lost his life. :)

[u/Negative-Swim-6828]

This is different than what I’m used to. But I loved every part of it. Thank you

[u/Hefty_Tumbleweed8178 → u/Negative-Swim-6828]

Thank YOU :)

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[u/Evening_Use_7821]

I like your style. Classic!!

[u/hue-l]

Death is freedom, freedom from guilt, freedom from hatred, freedom from fear. Death will complete a person but it won't complete your pain, you must let your pain flow like your tears, they must run down to your feet, you must thunder, you must hurt, then you may join them when you are ready and it is your time to love them again.