This Ole Man

This Ole Man

 

 

This ole man
turns eighty

in the spring.
He still opens doors

for his wife

and offers his hand

to the small of her back.

This ole man

talks of war

and Chevrolets
and walks in the late

of evening.
He's loved only

one woman all his life.
She is the mother

of their three grown children,
and often completes

his sentences, when
he stumbles with remembering
her name…

This ole man
smells of wood

and pipe tobacco,
a scent that lingers within

the hollow of her heart,

even though he no longer can

open her door,
and offer his hand

to the small of her back.

photography by pixgood.com

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

so...this is that love ..that is such sweet sorrow ..well said Kelly ...it so deeply touching to me ..another time when commitment and pride of home and country were simply the "way" ... tho the mind may break down ..love does prevail ..wonderful poem and expressed scenes, smells, feelings and more ... all in black and white ..great pic ma'am
E.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Gene, you have a knack for revealing my prized possessions! ...a thousand thank you's my friend!!

[Einstein Noodle]

its my reward for seeking them eh!? ;)))))

[Kelly Scheppers]

You reach back for the ones that are very dear to me, and that means a lot!

[Einstein Noodle]

:) ................. love and hugs Kelly Scheppers!

[SmittyJas]

This is so sweet and meaning full to long lasting couples with love that is eternal and very respectful loving and kind and at times turn a blind eye keeping their love live. I give a hand to this woman to this man for the long lasting stand that they took in life the man her husband the woman his wife. My utter most respect for them and there longevity of loves passions and desires over the decades they set there own worlds on fire.

[Richard🖌]

Ohhh, Kelly!
Such love and tender affection flowing all over and in-between to envelope two eternal lovers is rare in this day and age … even so, there still can be seen some partners (mostly elderly) who've weathered life and its many storms in ways that bond them with familiarity and love ever-so beautifully.
The manner in which you've told their story touches places in me that literally swoons my heart and makes me well-up with softened tears of tender love and affection.

Kelly, you are very-very special … hugging You! ⁓ Richard

[Kelly Scheppers]

Your generosity moves me, Richard...thank you!

[Richard🖌]

My true delight, Kelly.

[Michael Wright]

If all old man could be this way. You captured him well

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you for such a flattering review!

[Writer at last! Sky ~]

Very deep and emotional thoughts. Its so hard to pass the time, once you get old...

[Kelly Scheppers]

Yes, I do believe it is, if one has lost their spouse. Thank you so much!

[Suzy Hazelwood]

Wow, that's quite an emotional read Kelly, beautiful, well done!♥ I do love reading stories or poetry - even films about older people. They are so interesting, so much can be said about their lives that cannot be said of a younger generation.

[Kelly Scheppers]

If only more people thought the same as you! Thank you, Suzy!

[Relic]

This is a moving poem Kelly. It reminds me of the time I sat in the waiting room of a doctor's office and saw an elderly couple holding hands as they walked down the hallway. Time takes away certain abilities but the bond of a love like you write of is something that can't be broken. Excellent poem Kelly.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I often gaze at elderly couples I see, and imagine myself at their age. Perhaps all we can ever hope for, is to truly know a love such as that! Thank you!

[Adam Adams]

I have to write tis: "True love never dies, but stays alive even after the life."

Nice imagery you've come up with. It's very hard to understand what heart really wants. Sometimes, it's lost around the vibes of love so sometimes, seemed slept 'pon the bed of memories. Although, whatever it's 'bout, it tells me one thing that the love's nothin', but everythin' that gives a breath to live-more... for long. You nailed it up! You dig it, Kell!

[Kelly Scheppers]

I learned a good lesson by observing my grandparents...it's rewarding for me that other people are able to see it and appreciate it, too! Thank you, Adams!

[Adam Adams]

Your every stuff that you write with caramel heart's meant to be appreciated even by the whole universe. After all, you blow your incense to readers... through such poetic-pieces so, it's a pleasure even to me to kiss the dune you blow along.

[Ruth]

Oh good lord, sent shivers and gave a tear...damn...says everything...e v e r y t h i n g! True love holds close...Kelly, this deeply moved me ♥

[Kelly Scheppers]

...thank you, darlin!

[AaronFreitas]

What an amazing write Kelly! I loved the way you presented him in body first the at the end in spirit. Beautiful work!

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you for acknowledging that, Aaron...I appreciate it!