In Loving Memory of Ruth Siburt

Ruth was a gifted poet, talented writer, and amazing supporter of fellow poets and authors. Her kindness, encouragement, and passion for the written word touched the lives of many in our literary community.

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One of Ruth's favorite poems, "Blue Suede Blues," was published in the inaugural volume of "Inkwell." In honor of her memory, we are sharing the poem below.

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Her obituary may be found here: https://www.moranandgoebel.com/obi.../ruth-sibert-2/obituary

Ruth's words will continue to inspire us, and her presence will be greatly missed.

Blue Suede Blues

by Ruth Siburt

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I have always felt guilty

about Elvis' death

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What an ignoble ending

for the object

of my adolescent affection;

his disrobed, middle-aged belly

outlined obscenely white

against a dark floor,

riddled with chemicals

he could hardly

have understood.

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Is this what my

loving led to?

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Was my idle worship

so much for him to bear

that he turned from me

to more immediate aphrodisiacs?

Or did he resent

that I only loved him

for three and one-half minutes

at a time?

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Was it my wish for a star

that diminished him:

depleted his self

until all that was left

was a huge house and

a pocketful of pill-shaped

forgetfulness?

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Or was it just

that his eyes

were too blue?