Empty Chairs

Empty Chairs

A Poem by dan
"

widower lives each day waiting to go to sleep; only to start that dreaded clock again

"

Cleaning smudges on windows and

Feeding the birds,

The things that encircle his world;

Going out to the mailbox to

Find a dark space,

He shudders and thinks of his wife.

She left him so helpless

(he eats frozen food)

That he doesn’t know when to pay bills;

He goes to the church and sits down in the back

And prays while he stares at the walls.

On the way home he stops at the diner again

To eat eggs like she used to make,

And then shuffles on home to watch all of his shows

(Judge Judy now teaching him law).

A pot pie for dinner, turning on Jeopardy

For the answers he questions each night.

He plops on the couch to sleep soundly till 4

Then makes the bed she used to use.

A day starts again and he sheds a small tear,

Then turns on and watches the news…

Crying again on his pillowed excuse.

 

dan © 2015


Music: "Windows and Walls," by Dan Fogelberg

© 2015 dan


Author's Note

dan

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Reviews

This hits a personal note for me ans this was my grandfather after my gran died- he neded up turning to alcohol. This is a really good, emotive piece of writing that arouses sympathy for the man in the poem.

Juat a suggestion but not a criticism in any way. This could be developed by him recalling what she would have said and could show him beginning to cope so the poem would end on a note of hope. As I said this is what I would consider and is just an idea. If you can use then glad i might have helped. :-)

Posted 9 Years Ago


dan

9 Years Ago

First of all, thank you for taking the time for the read/review. Your suggestion is something I actu.. read more
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The big empty...this was a tough read for personal reasons. The emotions sucked out did it's job. That's good writing. P.s. you don't have to explain how you drew this out i read some reviews lol

Posted 9 Years Ago


dan

9 Years Ago

lynn, Thanks so much for your welcome words. As you probably read, I also had a personal emotional c.. read more
I may be young, but I know exactly how this can feel...That lonely feeling of being left, especially when you aren't anticipating it. I know you said you normally create poetry on fiction but I feel and relate so much to this that I can't help but say I'm sorry. Just in case you have been through this. I'm here for you!

Posted 9 Years Ago


dan

9 Years Ago

River, this was actually inspired by 1) a story on the local news, and...2) an uncle whose wife (my .. read more
I couldn't help but think of Les Misérables upon seeing the title of this.

The heartbreak is intense throughout your poem. Good work.

Posted 9 Years Ago


dan

9 Years Ago

Luna, this was inspired by a local news story and the true story of one of my uncles who lost his wi.. read more
excellent write, music accompaniment fabulous... I love what you have done here.

Posted 9 Years Ago


dan

9 Years Ago

Todd, thank you again for the read/review. I kinda like what I've done here also. 8^) take care...da.. read more
So touching.. I can feel the emotions lifting right off the words

Posted 9 Years Ago


dan

9 Years Ago

Etta, Thank you so much for your empathic review. I know you are in my friends group, but I have a h.. read more
This really touched me. You can feel the emptiness, something missing.
How very heart breaking.

Posted 9 Years Ago


dan

9 Years Ago

Ana, This is loosely based on a local news story I saw and an uncle whose wife, my aunt, passed away.. read more
You have left me teary eyed Dan...remembering my father the first year after my mother passed away. Thankfully it was only for a year and then he accepted help and joined a seniors community. Your words are full of compassion - they just curl right up in my heart.
Wonderful writing my friend
:) Julie

Posted 9 Years Ago


dan

9 Years Ago

Julie, Thanks so much. This piece was inspired by a local news story in which a prominent local citi.. read more
I have this LP, and adore the song and its songwriter!

Your words show us a glimpse into our own future, the stark reminder of what awaits us in growing old. My grandmother lived this kind of life, she lost her husband at a young age and never remarried. She died at 92, with a heart still full of love for one man.

I ache to know this awaits me...the windows and walls, the empty chairs and the silence. What a compassionate heart you have, Dan...to bring it all to light so brilliantly!

Posted 9 Years Ago


dan

9 Years Ago

Kelly, Thanks so much. The inspiration for this was a story on local news about a one-time prominent.. read more
The title immediately reminded me of Don McClean's song by that name. While his words are very, very sad, yours are more realistic, (though still quite sad) involving the day to day life of someone in that situation.

Posted 9 Years Ago


dan

9 Years Ago

Samuel, I wasn't aware of the McLean song; my thought was that even when the man was sitting in one .. read more

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Added on April 9, 2015
Last Updated on April 9, 2015
Tags: widower, loneliness

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dan
dan

Indiana, PA



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