The Garden Of Tears

He practiced disdain for mankind. Never giving himself to another. Closed away his heart and mind.

 

Near the road a cemetery bloomed

in the ancient noon day light

An old man stood to his task

of tending graves each night

 

He had spent his youth working

too afraid to spend emotion

Took all he could from everyone

but gave no love to the devotion

 

Romance was not his forte

he practiced disdain for mankind

Hardly giving love to another

closed away his heart and mind

 

Thinking life to be a race

he had pushed his way along

Took from the world no pleasure

he whistled but heard no song

 

Now retired and long lived

he thought himself to be paid

To have outlived all the others

was reward for plans he'd made

 

As he looked to stones he tended

for all those he'd known in life

An old dream ached in his chest

for words written to his wife

 

She had once been his true love

the only one he had known

Lost to another in his youth

he was aged, but never grown

 

Now his tears water her grave

stones of family, oh so few

The dreams of lost love fading

wonders of life he never knew

 

Called to rest some time ago

he lies cold among his peers

A shadow on winter's night

walks the graveyard of his tears

 

 

Author's Note

What is a life for? If we cower from truly living are the extra years truly living?

Reviews

[Dean Kuch®]

Your words really resonate in this piece! All too often we believe that we have the upper hand, that we can forget and move on past all the hurts and pains life throws our way. Until, one day, we realize, (albeit, some far too late!) those hurts and pains are what makes us human.
Great read!

[Kaa Na Kalyanasundaram]

Now his tears water her grave
stones of family, oh so few
The dreams of lost love fading
wonders of life he never knew
___________________________

Good lines Tate, the life without human love is waste. The attachment with each other firstly among family members then with the society always pave the path to humanity approach. Good write. With regards.

[Wendy Seames Garner]

So true, life is nothing without love.

[Becky C Strukamp]

This is so beautiful and touching. When reading,I could feel the man's emotions. Truly a brilliant poem.

100/100

[Audrey Howitt]

Now his tears water her grave
stones of family, oh so few
The dreams of lost love fading
wonders of life he never knew

So much life lost---beautifully moving write!

[~Blue Fantasy~]

Tears filled my eyes as I read this! Wow beautifully written and Truely heartfelt. Such a true story for many in this world. This poem/story was perfect in every way! Perfection!! Your work is beautiful! The line "Now his tears water her grave stones of family, oh so few the dreams of lost fading wonders of life he never knew," Wow this really tugs at my heart!

[Katie Lynn]

This is a purely incredible write. It's so solemn and sad, it brought an aching feeling to my heart. Simply marvelous.

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

the feel of surreal and tankered words feel loved and dire at the same time, very well written my friend, great piece.

[LadyNaida]

This is so sad. I could not imagine living my life without loving someone. I believe that love is what makes our hearts beat and helps us look forward to each day. Imagine the love the God has for us that He gave His only son for us, so that we can have eternal life with Him in heaven.