An Illustrious And Sublime Author Poem by Charles Chaim Wax

When I landed in my third
period class
Trisha stood near my desk
I thought to myself, “She’s blessed—
gonna be an honored author one day.”
“Bernstein, I want to write
this story, but I don’t know if anybody would believe it.”
After she told me her idea
I muttered, “When you’re
on Oprah
mention my name.”
When I walked into the Teacher’s Center
food of every kind and description
graced the long table
in the center of the room.
Henry F said, “Bernstein,
Edwardo Jesus Torres
catered the whole thing
in honor of Edwin, his twin brother
died exactly six months ago.”
At the end of the period
Edwardo played
Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus
for a few minutes
then spoke,
“All of this to honor
my beloved brother,
Edwin Jesus Torres
with God now.”
The music commenced
once more.
I closed my eyes
lowered my head
and when I looked up Edwardo’s tears
flowed
overwhelmed
I too wept
then raced out
went to the bathroom
threw cold water on my face
and left
only to bump into Trisha
who asked if I was OK.
“Got something in my eye.”
Without hesitation she said,
“The first time
you ever lied to me.”
Feeling utterly worthless
tears
once more
and the dear girl
whispered,
“Never again, please”
“How’d you know? ”
“Heart to heart is where I live.”