Not all there myself

 




Not all there myself - Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025

Now that she’s gone, what am I to do?

The best of me has gone with her too!

She went just like that, no time to bid Adieu …

I'm left with an empty feeling. Feeling blue.

We first met in grade III or was it grade II?

She knocked me off my socks, Mon Dieu!

Three score years and another one or two,

Since we walked down the aisle, to say ‘I do’

Two peas in a pod, our differences were but a few

Her stories were hilarious and her jokes on cue

Hands down, she made the world’s best spaghetti 'n ragu 

(No party was ever complete without her cheese fondue)

And oh how she loved to knit, crochet and sew

Ne’er needed a tailor, was it the same for you?

Now she’s gone home to God … leaving me a bit cuckoo

The memories ... her smile ... as fresh as the morning dew


Credits
  • This artwork was inspired by a line drawing signed by someone called 'Prakash'. 
  • The title comes from "As you can see I am not all there myself", a quote by the anthropomorphic enigmatic Cheshire Cat (from Lewis Carroll’s 1865 magnum opus 'Alice in Wonderland'). The cat was saying it in reference to being mad, my poem is in reference to long-time soulmates torn asunder by death. 

Comments

Anonymous said…
Wow.. वास्तव..👍🏼 (Classmate on COEP Alumni WhatsApp group)
Kieran said…
ऑनलाइन इतके मित्र आहेत पण तुमचा हात धरायला कोणी नाही. 😢 (My reply in Marathi)
Anonymous said…
किरण, अरे वाह, मराठीत?🙂 (Astonished classmate admiring my newfound language skills)
Kieran said…
माझ्या मित्राचे Google Translateचे आभार.😁 (Me setting the record straight by giving credit to Google translate)
Anonymous said…
Wow!!!! That's a very powerful poem, Kieran.. sorry to read about that too...when was that? (An artistic friend on WhatsApp)
Kieran said…
Thanks, Ajay. It’s not specific to any one person, the evocative line drawing spurred the poem. When painting it, I could feel the emptiness of the protagonist. Looks like it moved you too - Kieran
Anonymous said…
Oh, yes, it did....(His reply to me)
Anonymous said…
That is fantastic Kieran.....but who is it about ? (A classmate on WhatsApp)
Kieran said…
The initial line sketch was very evocative. No one in particular but coming to think of it the poem just flowed inspired maybe by several elderly people in my church community- one in particular Ed and Donna were childhood friends and so affectionate. Married for 62 years. I miss him and his cheerful jokes every morning after mass. She’s soldering on but it’s like something is missing - Kieran
Anonymous said…
That is such a common issue with elders...the loneliness and a missing companion kills them , especially the insecurity of not having your partner next to you at night. Makes it so scary for them😢 (Her reply to the above comment)
Kieran said…
I know two couples who passed away with days of each other - both in 2025. Uncanny - Kieran
Anonymous said…
My aunt and uncle died within 4 hrs of each other. We had two cremations in one day. It took me a long time to recover from this loss and shock. (Another classmate regrading the above comments)
Kieran said…
Can’t imagine. So sorry for your loss - Kieran
Anonymous said…
It’s amazing how you created art with just a few lines.
Beautiful poem too. 💐 Is the poem your writing? (A dear friend and frequent fan on WhatsApp)
Kieran said…
Yes. That’s why I claimed copyright on it - Kieran
Anonymous said…
You touched our heart. We both read it a few times and reach to say - well said my friend. You are a sentimenti guy. Stay blessed. (One of my mentors on WhatsApp)
Kieran said…
Thank you for the props - Kieran
Anonymous said…
Memories and thoughts are ours and ours alone. Being expressive is an outlet.
Tum Laghe Raho Munna Bhai! (A friend on WhatsApp)
Kieran said…
🙏🏼 आपकी शुभकामनाओं के लिए धन्यवाद (My reply in Hindi)

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