Alive but not living.

Living after the death of a life-long love

In armchair old his body slumped
beside the unlit fire,
in a rested state, serenaded by
that evenings crickets choir.

Old and weary, bathed and clean
fresh clothes against his skin,
a hearty meal he'd tiredly ate
lay heavy deep within.

His age lined face, sun baked and dry,
fatigued, tired eyes half shut,
a ribbon red on jaw line shaved
where carelessly he'd cut.

Strains of "their" song filled the air
a smile played 'cross his lips,
he pictured his wife of fifty years
as she was all breasts and hips.

A tear he wiped from parchment cheek
a tear of loss and love,
two years now since she left his arms
to wait for him above.

Two years alive not living
he wanted off life's ride,
ready now in prayer he'd asked
to be taken to her side.

Author's Note

Might have tenses muddled,confuse myself at times

Reviews

[Kelly Scheppers]

It's sad to think of how difficult a separation would be between two people who have lived the majority of their lives together, the immense pain the one who is left behind, goes through. I believe you can die from a broken heart - and you've shown me how!

[Gee]

Yep, I could picture me as the old fella described. Selfishly, if there is a God, I hope he collects me first. Thank you Kelly

[iamshadowine]

this is really good!
keep writing :D

[Gee]

Cheers, will do

[Vargo]

So many colorful words and you paint a vivid picture with them. Great work! Though they seem a bit clumped up together and there are some missing "spaces" between commas.

[Gee]

Will have a butcher's and sort. Thanks for reviewing

[GalaxyGhost]

Tearful poem as it reminds me of my grandmother who is aging and I hope she never feels that loneliness as my family cares for her. Phenomenal poem!

[Gee]

Thank you kindly

[Norman 223]

There is a strong feeling here that it is not only the death of a loved one but also the loneliness of losing human contact. The pace of life is such, that even family do not find time to regularly visit. Life needs to be shared if it is not to become meaningless.
A sad poem that also carries a message to those that should care.

[Gee]

We ain't the best as a nation at taking care of the elderly.Thanks Norman

[.]

This is tragically beautiful, Gee.

It all flows effortlessly, stanza upon stanza, brilliantly rhymed, with a very emotional tale and theme.
It must be extremely difficult to lose a lifelong partner and then have to face the prospect of living on alone in the twilight years.
There is an endearing truth to the emotions of the protagonist in this poem.
A very poignant and emotional write. Very well done.

[Gee]

Thanks Doodley

[.]

This is tragically beautiful, Gee.

It all flows effortlessly, stanza upon stanza, brilliantly rhymed, with a very emotional tale and theme.
It must be extremely difficult to lose a lifelong partner and then have to face the prospect of living on alone in the twilight years.
There is an endearing truth to the emotions of the protagonist in this poem.
A very poignant and emotional write. Very well done.

[mou]

Your words are so powerful. A beautiful thought.Thanks for sharing.

[Gee]

Thanks Mou....

[alifeacoustic]

A wonderful and poignant read. It's all too easy to lose yourself in the sorrow of being lost in the heartbreak of losing a loved one you spent so long a part of, just as it is to not see that sorrow in others. Beautifully written.

[Gee]

Cheers my friend

[Sai]

This is breath taking; it's beautiful, sad, emotional, nostalgic, love, I feel the pain of this man and wish him eternal happiness. Nothing hurts more when the love of your life heads to the next life. Yet again Gee, your words enchant me.

[Gee]

Thank you Sai