Driveway's EndA Poem by David O Whalen (O Haolin in Celtic)It's of lonelinessNo matter that the mailman stops or not.
I still put on my heavy jacket, Tug on my boots and woolen gloves. Give an unspoken invitation To my ol’ shaggy shepherd, Who arthritically arises, stretches, yawns Pads to the door and patiently waits, Tongue lolling. It’s a good long walk From the porch to the mailbox. I can see from here the flags not raised, But it doesn’t lower my hopes Ol’ dog plows through the snow Snortin’ and sneezin’ And peeing on anything vertical. With a deep breath of crisp, frosty air Cautiously taking one step at a time Handrail held tight as a lover’s arm Both feet on each step before Trying the next. Then the slow measured trek To the end of the driveway. A long moment of hesitation With hand outstretched Knowing full well the feeling Of foolish anticipation. A timid tug on the mailbox door Then a tentative peek inside. Tho’ obviously empty, I look once again And grope for an envelope That I know is not there. A deep sigh…from deep snow And deeper disappointment. I close the mailbox door And pat the top gently, As if forgiving it for being empty. I always give feelings and emotions To all things about me. Always have, Always will. Shrug off a chill. Hear the snow squeak ‘Neath my boots. Turn and start back to the house. Ol’ dog pulls his nose from a snowdrift, Shakes off a snout full of powder, Runs to me and nuzzles me back to the house. Why is it that the return trip is always shorter Than the trip to a place? And before I know it, I’m back on the porch Brushing snow off of ol’ dog. A long last look at the end of the driveway. At the patient mailbox waiting for tomorrow Then it’s back inside in the warmth once again. Ol’ dog in his bed licking ice off his paws. Me lookin’ out of the window, knowing full well That we’ll do this again tomorrow And that tomorrow the mailbox Will be empty again and tomorrow Will also be lonely and empty …again… They say hope springs eternal and love never dies. I look out at the mailbox with a tear in my eye. They say also that time heals everything. I think that they lie. (but I'll give them the benefit of doubt) © 2014 David O Whalen (O Haolin in Celtic) |
Stats
146 Views
1 Review Added on March 2, 2014 Last Updated on March 30, 2014 AuthorDavid O Whalen (O Haolin in Celtic)Las Vegas, NVAboutBorn in Kentucky, teen years in Loveland Ohio, old in age, young in mind, I'm not human, I don't believe in religion, love. faith or trust, I do believe in: lil' kids, ol' dogs, leprechauns, and water.. more..Writing
|