Silence

It is the blindness of our ears.
It is the basis of our fears.
It is what you hear when no one's there.
It's that non-existent shriek of terror.
It screams aloud without a sound.
It's voices heard when no one's 'round.
It is what is said in a lover's scorn.
It is the final warning before the storm.
It's the noise you hear; the bump in the night.
It will make a child shake with fright.
It is a haven for all the crazed.
It's where voices speak, reality's hazed.
It is a terror this immortal silence.
'Tis more deadly than is violence.
It is in death that she triumphs.
She's a victor known as Silence.

- Carrie Northup
(Published in "A Celebration of Poets: Showcase Edition")

Little Angel...

The very day we met you,
We had to say good-bye.
We send you off to heaven
Where holy angels fly.

In our dreams we'll see you smile,
And there we will hear you talk.
Our home will echo with your laughter.
In our hearts you'll learn to walk.

You will be remembered
With each and every passing day,
Missed, loved, and adored
In every possible way.

For now God will carry you
Safely in his arms.
Loving you as we do,
Protecting you from harm.

One day we will join you
As we take our place in heaven.
God will hand you back to us --
Together once again.

- Carrie Northup
(Written in 2003 for my best friend after the death of her first born child)

Untitled and Not Mine

(Disclaimer: While I thought I would keep Carrie's Doodle Pad a collection of things written by only me, I've found that I have in my possession beautiful unpublished works of art written by others. Most of these creations also have a poetic back story - The poem below was part of a letter that I received from a very talented friend. I had no idea before I read it how he felt, and at the time I was engaged to someone else. After my engagement fell apart I tried to find the author but by that time he had vanished completely from my life. I haven't heard from him since.)

I saw you again today
As I have before
Many times.
You graced me with the
Beautiful smile you know
I love.
I greeted you with the same.
As we spoke
My eyes partook of your
Complete beauty.
They trace the lines of your face
The shape of your body.
I watch in awe,
Even the slightest movement
The epitome of elegance.
Not a day passes
Thoughts of you don't fill my mind.
I have fallen secretly in love with you.
My desire consuming me.
Your voice
Like music
Blesses my ears.
Your angelic presence
Drives me mad with love.
How I wish for you in my life.
I want nothing else
But you.
Your eyes a window to heaven.
Your whole being
A celestial wonder.
Yet I pass you by.
The uncertainty in my soul
Preventing me from
Advancing my endeavors.
I abandon my efforts
In hopes of something better.
My own fear
Denying me what I truly desire.
Alas,
The circle begins again.

-P.W.