The Man Who Wears a Frown

Often I stroll through the park, Life flourishing around me. An old park bench, Becomes something astounding. Everyday at twelve o'clock, I see a man who wears a frown. Hands locked in his pockets, Eyes lay fixed on the ground. He sits alone gazing into nothing, Longing for escape. Sometimes that poor man, Has tears running down his face.

I've watched for weeks, Witnessing the deterioration of a man. Never did I confront him, And tell him, I understand. Though I wonder greatly, What this man endures, I simply observe, His story, I infer. His weight is dropping rapidly, Perhaps he needs food. I thought of offering a meal, But did not want to be rude.

Tomorrow will be the day,

I tell myself with certitude.

I will speak to the man,

And win my internal feud.

I set out at eleven o'clock For my cruise through the park.

The sun does not shine,

The sky is cloudy and dark.

When I arrive the bench lies empty,

The clocks strike noon,

I find a seat nearby,

Thinking he must arrive soon.

He does not show,

I pay for my hesitation.

Each day I wander back,

But never get that conversation.

Still I pass the bench,

With hope that he'll be seated there.

My heart filled with regret,

My mind is overcome with despair.

I sit hopelessly on the bench,

Eyes stare only at the ground.

My hands are clasped,

And my face wears a frown.

Reviews

[Nessly]

Wow... I love how the narrator becomes the man wearing the frown. It's difficult to reach out to others we may believe are in need. It's hard to know when we're overstepping boundaries, and when we're offering a helping hand. I think it's such a pity that the narrator finally gathered courage to offer his help, only to find that the man never shows again. It's even harder still never knowing what happened to him. Great poem.

[Aidan Oberholtzer]

Thanks a lot! Thanks for reading (:

[Urja Gokani]

A lovely written piece with a thought provoking twist. Your way of writing has this storytelling attitude I am fond of, a nice flow and a good choice of words, simple but straightforward.

[Cobblestone Traveler]

Wow, a thought-provoking piece. Makes me wonder if it's a cycle, if the man before was dealing with regret from not reaching out to a man before him. I enjoyed the read, excellent work!

[Celie Rose]

Enjoyed your poem.
Loved your final stanza:
"With hope that he'll be seated there.
My heart filled with regret,
My mind is overcome with despair.
I sit hopelessly on the bench,
Eyes stare only at the ground.
My hands are clasped,
And my face wears a frown."
You became the man wearing
a frown.
Your poem is very meaningful.
Well written and expressed.
Nice Job!

[sL]

"I pay for my hesitation" is a brilliant line. The whole poem was engaging and well formatted. Really great.

[Myenigma]

great imagery and i like how you wrote it.

[Aidan Oberholtzer]

Thanks a lot! thanks for reading

[V]

A lovely written piece with a thought provoking twist. Your way of writing has this storytelling attitude I am fond of, a nice flow and a good choice of words, simple but straightforward.

[Aidan Oberholtzer]

thanks for reading!

[V]

You're welcome.

[Shannon]

Part of the human condition. So uncertain when to reach out a hand. Second guessing both action and inaction.
I like the inconsistent rhyme sceme. Prevents it from sounding forced but adds that bit of lyrical quality.

[Aidan Oberholtzer]

Thanks for reading!