A Friend To None

I spied an old man sip his beer,
his eyes were glazed, full cloudy day.
Oblivious to all around
he didn't hear the raucous sound
of other drinkers loud at play.

I watched him as he raised his glass.
I didn't miss a tear that fell
that trickled down his weathered skin.
I felt another's suffering,
his sadness wrapped me in its spell.

Where was he in his troubled mind?
For sure he wasn't here with us
His shirt was stained, his hair unkempt,
I pondered where his thinking went.
He drank his pain with little fuss.

My thoughts returned to you and I.
The Reaper is a friend to none,
for when you've lost your trusted mate,
you lose your compass and your fate
lies in the stars, your present gone.

Reviews

[Betty Hermelee]

It’s alway sad to lose a mate, and that’s what brought to mind when you saw that man alone shuddering a drinking his own pain….it reminds all of us that someday our fate will come and maybe there is a better place for us than to be “ friend to none”….. and that place will give us all peace of mind….seeing a stranger suffer does bring back memories.
Really good write dear Chis.
Best
B.

[Chris Shaw]

Happy Thursday Betty and thank you so much for your understanding review. Always good to have a visit from you. Appreciated you are.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome Chris!

[barleygirl]

Your sharply detailed glimpse into a sad empty life is sometimes more common than most (who are comfortable in life) ever think about. It's hard to walk away from a person who cannot pull him/herself up from some sinking spot in his/her life, but I've just had to do that with a longtime friend becuz I could not take another 15 years of her constant troubles. The problem with being caught in a rut is that you have nothing to give to others & pretty soon others walk away & then you become the title of your poem. This is so spot-on without being a bit cliche (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

PS . . . Almost forgot to wish you a happy new year & I"m looking forward to enjoying you & your writing in 2020!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Margie, my Dad always told me there are givers and takers. Sounds like your friend took much from you. Sometimes we have to walk away to save ourselves. Happy New Year to you dear poet and writer. I am sure you will have a very successful 2020. You have found yourself in your words. Bravo.

Chris

[Robert Trakofler]

I believe... and this is just me mind you, that when someone who is close to your heart for so long that they never really go. The impressions and waves sent from there presence to yours remains long after there physical presence has gone. I have loved many people that I have lost over the years and I can still feel there hearts and still sometimes yes in lament but if I hold my breath and wait a second I can still hear there voice and feel there touches. Like the penned reflection of your empathy in this chance encounter at the bar is touching my heart right now.

[Chris Shaw]

Bunny you have a kind soul. This is a truly beautiful review and I thank you for your welcome visit.

Chris

[Chris]

Hell of an insight Chris... I'm glad I paused

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Chris. We have eyes, not everyone uses them to their full potential. I'm pleased you stopped by today as well.

Chris

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

I can't help but feel compassion for this man. That he was a dark cloud for you to see tells me that he was raining on the inside. When one becomes so weighted down with such burdens, it's hard to hide the pain. It's a reflection of where we do not want to be, knowing it's never really far. Life is full of pain, and we rain. Very nice and emotive poem here.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Linda, lady of compassion. It is difficult to watch someone in pain, even if it is of their own doing. I appreciate your thoughts and your visit.

Chris

[MsJewel]

Your words tugged at my heart reminding me of someone I knew a long time ago. Love so many lines, but "He drank his pain with little fuss" is brilliant. Always a pleasure to read your words :) Julie

[Chris Shaw]

Julie it is so good to have a visit from you. Thank you so much for your lovely review. All good wishes.

Chris

[drew garner]

empathy can be as painful as hope. but some pain keeps us from going insane.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks drew for your thoughts and your perspective on pain. Empathy is certainly painful at times. All good wishes.

Chris

[Beccy]

So very descriptive Christine. The sadness, the loneliness you portray is palpable; and like jacob, I found the line 'he drank his pain with little fuss,' quite outstanding, in what is a stand out poem from first line to last.

Beccy,

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Beccy thank you for your thoughts. Always good to see you. Best wishes

Chris

[Kent Rawski]

Noone truly knows another's pain or how much they can stand for some rock bottom

[Chris Shaw]

You are right. If you look, you can see the pain but you can't measure it. Thank you Kent.
read moreYou are right. If you look, you can see the pain but you can't measure it. Thank you Kent.

Chris

[R.E. Ray]

Chris, this is a poem that hit me hard. I've seen such men, and if I'm being honest, I see parts of me in your words, too. Perhaps that's why it hit me. Alcohol is an escape, a bloody liar, that denies you the pain you need to change what's broken. Though I very much enjoy bourbon and Scotch, I know when to stop...or not drink. I never want to be the man you've painted here, and I'd very much like to never see such a man (or woman again).

In the US, you can find the same scene in nearly every community, except cheap drugs now compete with alcohol. Such sad times for so many. Like you, I often wonder what drove an individual to that point, where he or she is so blind they don't even recognize the loss of their own dignity. Truly moving work, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Robert, thank you so much for sharing and so honestly with it. So interesting to hear your views and I truly appreciate you reading and commenting on my work. Always good to see you here.

Chris