Page Nine.

Someone died today
No headlines
The two lines on page nine taken up with the rescue of the local cat
Just a statistic
Would be sad
But there really wasn’t time for that
The vicar performing a wedding that day
Didn’t really need this
Put out, but would fit it in
The fifty-pound fee would come in handy
His parents wouldn’t be attending
He was such a disappointment to them
Could have been a doctor
Instead followed his dream
Sometimes dreams take time
Just like life
Sometimes life is cruel
The dog wasn’t badly hurt
Just dazed when the car hit it
The crowd gathered, concerned
Man's best friend
He lay in the corner, dying
People passed him by
Just a statistic
Following his dream
Into the next life...

Reviews

[Stella Armour]

People can be very cruel at times, we are a nation of animal lovers sometimes first and foremost above ourselves and others......:(

[Paul Bell]

It sure is tough out there.

[Cherrie]

There is pain in living that we all know and share. Somehow, We forget to share in the pain of a life passing.

[Paul Bell]

It sure is cruel out there.

[barleygirl]

Thanks to Juliespenhere for read requesting me. As usual, you've painted a slice of life that is many times more real than ten other poems combined can often be. Country folk grow up not being overly sentimental about loss of life, which happens often on a farm. But to a "bleeding heart liberal" (& I'm often confused as BHL), not spending & fighting fiercely for every life (human or animal) is unthinkable! While volunteering at two animal shelters for six years, I always had to hide my true cynical tendencies, as illustrated so crisply in your acerbic poem. Hope you're enjoying your holidays! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Paul Bell]

You country folk are tough, unlike us surburbanites.
It is amazing that people will pass a human being to help a dog. Strange world we live in.

[Relic]

People do tend to get into their own worlds. No one wants to get involved. Just walk away and it will fade out of sight. It happens every day, in every state or district, sadly.

[Paul Bell]

Spot on, people just don't want to get involved.

[Tamara Beryl Latham]

This poem is mind boggling, and your poetic words convince me that in this present life we are merely a number (just like being in the Military).

Your poem gives the reader some significant food for thought and I enjoyed what you've penned immensely. Thanks for posting. :-)

[Paul Bell]

Sad reality we call life now.

[Tamara Beryl Latham]

Yes, what you speak is truth; yet, we have to live with it. Take care!

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

this is brilliant poignant sad and so true to life
loved it

[Paul Bell]

Life is bloody cruel.

[Lydia Shutter]

Reminds me of "Eleanor Rigby".....died and was buried along with her name. How sad that some people have no one in their lives who appreciates them. No one who is proud of what they chose in life. I think following one's dream is quite important. We have to be happy with ourselves! Powerful write here....a bit of stream of consciousness too. I liked it. Lydi**

[Paul Bell]

Great song. I always think you should follow your dream.

[Gee]

Hmmm, gotta say I've got much more time for dogs than humans after spending nigh on 57 years watching folk s**t on each other again and again. At least the pooch is loyal...

[Paul Bell]

You know where you are with a dog.

[Mrudula Rani]

Your very first words have such an impact!
sometimes life is cruel, yes, sometimes life is extremely cruel.
Picture of reality in all its colours, A Powerful poem!

[Paul Bell]

Life does seem to be crueler these days. Empathy has definitely gone.

[Mrudula Rani]

That is Very true !

[Papaya]

This is quite heartbreaking. Good write.

[Paul Bell]

Sure is sad.