End Of Day

A mother sits all alone.
Her hand extends to pick up the phone.
Quickly she withdraws it, timing not right.
It may be better if she rang tonight!

Lonely hours to while away,
she begins to plan what she will say,
but changes her mind as she’s done before.
Nobody visits to knock on her door.

Her children grown up, with families of their own.
Beautiful husbands, beautiful homes.
They have no time to ring or say “Hello!”
But she loves them so dearly, as they very well know.

So later she’ll ring, ask about their day
with conversation light-hearted, come what may.
Then it’s “Goodbye”, talk to you soon
and she re-joins her evening companion: “The Moon”.

 

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Marie, I find this poem a sad reflection on how isolated the elderly can become. It also makes me realize how blessed I am. I can’t help thinking that even though the children have fled the nest and have busy lives of their own, would it hurt them to phone more? A couple of minutes a day, just to check in? Surely that isn’t too much to ask. Beautifully penned and raises plenty of thoughts. Have a happy Saturday.

Chris

[Marie]

Hello Chris and thank you for kindly taking time out to read this poem and for your kind comment. Thank you also for your empathy. It is so true that the elderly are very often without human contact for a very long time here in Ireland, especially in rural areas. It is said to be responsible for a lot of suicides among the farming community. Children grow up and have their own lives to live and may mean to check in, but something comes up which gets in the way of the intended call, so it never takes place due to postponement. Wishing you a very Happy Saturday also and a very blessed and lovely weekend too, dear Chris...

[Samuel Dickens]

Yes, that's how it is, I'm sad to say. I guess we're all the same--too busy with matters before us to pay proper attention to those who brought us into the world and raised us.
"Oh, it's just father and mother. They'll be there forever. I'll talk to them one of these days when I have time. Besides, I just saw them a few months ago at Christmas."
Short on wisdom, we don't see the importance until it's too late. Then one day, the shoe is on the other foot, and we long for that telephone call or knock on the door. I love this poem that alerts us to a very serious issue.

[red93]

So poignant dear Marie, but very moving and well-written as well. The plight of some of our isolated elderly folk often makes the national newspapers in the UK. Really thought-provoking Write ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Marie]

It is a true story of how children can sometimes be so busy with their own lives that they 'forget' about their parents and when the parents have passed on, the children live with regret and guilt which is not what the parents would want to begin with. It is an old saying that one never misses the water until the well runs dry. There is hope of the water returning at some point in time to the well, but parents can't return until their next reincarnation! Thank you for so kindly reading, dear red93 and for your empathy. Bless you always and wishing you a very lovely evening to enjoy, dear friend...

[Alira]

So beautiful and sad. I’ve frequently enjoyed my times alone, but when it lasts for so long it becomes isolating and makes you feel small and empty. The imagery in this poem is so crisp despite being so simple, and I really feel for the poor mother. A mother’s love is undying, even when she feels that she has been left behind.

[Marie]

Thank you so very much for your beautiful review of this poem, Alira. You have captured the very essence of it in your comment. I am so pleased you enjoyed reading it and it is so true that regardless of the circumstances as mother's love is unconditional and eternal. Thank you so very much for kindly reading and reviewing, dear Alira. Wishing you a very lovely evening to enjoy...

[Betty Hermelee]

It’s a very common feeling one gets when there little interaction between mother and her brood, and if they do speak, it’s short and sweet; I think young people are too busy today to chat on the phone with their parents… you grin up a good point
Warmly
B.

[Marie]

Hello Betty and a very Good evening to you. Thank you for kindly reading this poem and commenting on it. Yes, sadly, young people no longer have time to chat with their parents or call to visit them due to being so busy in their day to day life. But, all to soon parents crossover to Spirit and the children are left with a lot of regret and guilt which is unnecessary. Your kind comment is spot on, dear Betty. I wish you a very nice evening, pleasant and relaxed...

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome Marie
Happy Monday!
Warmly, B

[Marie]

Thank you so v---e---r---y much for your very kind wishes, dear Betty. I too, wish you the same...

[Poetic_Vixen]

It breaks me, my heart in pieces for this woman who longs for a reunion of her beloved children, it breaks my heart how they moved forward in their lives but didn't care enough to turn back her way and visit her when she needs their warmth the most, the longing of this lonesome woman feels even more cold with this last line, "and she rejoins her evening companion: the moon" I wonder how many solitary night she spends wishing for her family to be there, her sweet love for them only growing more intense and warm, I hope such loving heart shall never be alone. I heartily bless you my dear friend, Marie, this poem picked at my heart and I will remember the lesson it leaves for me, to be kinder to my mother and spend as much time as I can with her. She is a true gem who only God knows how much has endured all her life...

[Marie]

I am SO happy for your most kind and wonderful understanding of the words in this poem, dear P.V. I am so happy beyond words to know that you have learned something from it as it was my hope and wish that those who read it would learn the lesson before it was too late, if they could relate to it. I know you are the epitome of kindness and love to your beloved Mother, dear P.V. and now a little extra loving kindness will make her day SO special. You are a wonderful daughter and she is truly blessed. I bless you both too and pray you will have m-a-n-y long and happy years yet to come and enjoy together. My love to you both, dear P.V...

[Poetic_Vixen]

You are a kind soul Marie, wishing long and happy years too, you deserve it and the world needs more likes of you!

[Marie]

Thank you so very much for your very kind words, dear P.V. You too have a soul which is the very essence of kindness and love and it is such beautiful souls which make the world a better place to live in for everyone. Your soul radiates a beautiful golden light, shine it brightly for all to see, it will lead many out of the darkness they find themselves in, my dear friend. Bless you always...

[Ken Simm.]

What a lovely flowing piece. Sad and strangely comfortable at the same time.

[Marie]

Thank you for reading, Ken and for your very kind and encouraging comment...

[Gee]

I think we may be the worst in Europe at looking after, caring for our elderly relatives. I used to visit my old mum twice a week when she was heading grave wards, other siblings filled in the gaps.
My ma in law has lived with us for the past 15 years, enables my wife to look after her.
Thought provoking, sad, but finely written piece Marie

[Marie]

I agree 110% with what you so rightfully say in your comment, dear Gee. We are of a very different generation to our children and I find neither the love or care for us is like what we had for our parents who were absolutely treasured. I love that your dear Mum-in-law lives with you and that her lovely daughter takes good care of how. That is how it should be, dear Gee, but it isn't so for everybody, sadly. Thank you so very much for kindly reading and commenting. I wish you a very nice, relaxed and pleasant evening to enjoy...

[Arundass TP]

This is all we experience while we are walking the last lane of life. Let me say. I want to die before it. Even though around sixties

[Marie]

Hello T.P. and thank you for reading and kindly commenting on my poem. Sadly, it happens to so many parents in life, but please live your life to the full as it may never happen to you. If it does, you will be strong enough to understand and decide to live the rest of your life for YOU! The many sacrifices we make for our children are soon forgotten, sadly. Thank you again for sharing with me. Wishing you a very nice relaxed Sunday to enjoy...

[Arundass TP]

Thank you friend for your blessings and making me bold and courageous to live a life.

[Marie]

Most welcome, A.P. It will all work out ok and you will be very independent in old age, and carry your age with grace a, great strength and with dignity, A. P...

[Arundass TP]

Welcome friend

[Marie]

Thank you again, A.P....

[John the Baptist]

old age can be a lonely time for elders, especially if their lives have been wrapped up in their children, who are now raising their own families. That is why activity in old age is a necessity. There are new friends to be made, new activities in which to engage. No one has to be lonely if they are flexible.

[Marie]

Good morning, John. Thank you for kindly reading my poem and for sharing your point of view with me. I agree that activity in advanced years is absolutely necessary, as is making new friends, but nothing can make up for the lack of or seldom contact with one's children especially if they live very close to their parents. It shows not just a lack of love, but also care and concern for the parents who gave them everything, adored them, wrapped them in love and hugs, yet these same children discarded their parents in later years. I've seen it happen so often, dear John. Wishing you a very blessed Sunday and thanking you again...

[Relic]

This does hit that sad spot in the heart, Marie. Being I'm single with no children I wonder what life will be like in my elderly years. Your poem puts into the light what many face in later years as they go through life alone. You put expression in thoughts well. Great poem.

[Marie]

Hello Relic and thank you for kindly reading and commenting on my poem. Now is a good time to get involved in a group which shares the same interests as you, dear. That way you will make new friends (and keep the old and dear friends too) and perhaps have coffee and a catch up every week. Something to look forward to is so important as we visit the Winter years of life. Don't give up! 'Mr. Special' may just be on the way to find you, we never know what's around the next corner, dear Relic. Wishing you a very nice evening and a very pleasant and joyful weekend too. Thank you again...

[Relic]

You're welcome, Marie. And may I say I hope it's a Miss Special. I'm a guy. hahaha

[Marie]

Oh dear!!!! Dear R, I ask your kind forgiveness? I shall pray for a very Miss Special to join you on the road of life and for you both to walk together to the very end of the road! I am so v---e---r---y sorry! I wasn't thinking, but that's a very poor excuse, R. Wishing you a very lovely evening and an equally lovely weekend too. Enjoy!

[Relic]

hahahaha, no harm done Marie. Thanks. :)

[Marie]

Aaawwwww! Thank you and bless you, R. I am indebted to you for your forgiveness 🙂