Michael Morell is a poet and photographer whose work has appeared in Shot Glass Journal, The Aurorean, Philadelphia Stories, The Stray Branch, and elsewhere. In 2017, he received first place in the Ardmore Library Charlotte Miller Simon Poetry Contest, and earned a Master’s degree in Applied Meditation Studies.
Japanese Memorial Verse *
Dukkha is the ocean rolling onto the beach of life-
accept the waves, give back the waves.
Father, I wrote my own death poem today
and it reminded me of the last time I saw you
in the hospital.
On the way out the door I said I love you
and you were silent.
I said I love you just in case…
Never one to express yourself
you were silent just in case,
not wanting to step
outside yourself.
Shhhhhhhhhh...
The way that can be described is not the true way.
The grief that I can write about is not the true grief.
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* The death poem is a genre of poetry that developed in the
literary traditions of East Asian cultures, both in general and
concerning the imminent death of the author—that is often coupled
with a meaningful observation on life. The practice of writing a
death poem has its origins in Zen Buddhism. The memorial verse
specifically deals with the death of a loved one.
To view more poetry by Michael Morell pick up a copy of
the Fall/Winter 2019 issue of The Stray Branch.