The Silence of Old Age

It’s not the silence of little babes

Whose tears run dry

After a soothing lullaby

It’s not the silence of the sphinx

Buried deep in the sand

Whispering age-old tales 

It’s not the silence of the forest

That descends on birds before a storm

Dark and full of rage

No, it’s the tongueless scream of emptiness

That breathes in your face from the pillow 

Where once your dear wife’s head lay

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

Your final stanza screams from the page. That is what I would fear most. The absolute emptiness and knowing the situation can’t be reversed. I have a dog. I would urge everyone to get a dog. A dog would take the edge off unbearable. A powerful write Laz.

[Kelly Scheppers]

To sleep alone in the aftermath of death must be the hardest of all transitions to make. Beautiful verses, Laz. Many blessings!

[John the Baptist]

As a senior, I can't identify with this one yet, for my spouse is still among us. Still, when I worked in a chronic disease hospital, I saw the situation a good number of times. That is why it is necessary to develop a spiritual practice to see you through such times.

[Connie Howell]

Very moving, I really liked it

[Lorry]

Yes, the tongue less scream of emptiness is such a very fitting line for such a feeling beyond despair.
It is the kind of line any poet would be proud of, but now you have written it, I wish I had never heard.
Impressive.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this is so sad...
my dad would have related to this...
"the tongueless scream of emptiness"
that is a perfect line...and those who have lost a spouse scream the loudest.
j.

[Laz K.]

i'm currently visiting my father who has to contend with this terrible silence now. i have never felt anything quite so terrifying as this silence when sleep doesn't come, nd one stares into the blackness with the silence of emptiness buzzing in one's ears.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Las K. some memories are ageless... Our Neighbor's Wife passed; however she
got him a beautiful soft Puppy before she went to Glory to keep him Company during the Night.
We often see him walking the Pup with the older doggies that join the Walk. Man's best friend
will be there to lay his or her Head on the Pillow. (Very sweet poem). Softly, Pat

[Laz K.]

how interesting! i was thinking just about that! getting a dog, or a cat to keep my father company. thank you for reading and commenting!