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Forgotten Soul

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(“Forgotten Soul” image courtesy of artmajeur.com)

Will I slowly wither like a leaf that falls upon the earth? Once void of all its autumn hues, it loses all its worth. Will my strength and vigor for this life just one day start to wane? Will all these lines and wrinkles guise my once familiar face? Will I feel no longer needed by my family and my friends? Will that thrill of feeling deep in love, in time come to an end? Will I lose my sense of purpose, my reason for each day? Will my mind grow dull and cluttered ‘till I somehow lose my way? Will I outlive all my loved ones and find myself alone? Will I lose my independence, my possessions and my home? Will all my fondest memories escape my aging grasp? and will I drift so far away I never make it back? Will I be that old forgotten soul that no one comes to see? Kept in the hands of strangers, a shell of who I used to be. I pray I'm spared such cruelty if I am to live. I don't want to be a burden when I still have much to give. I want to treasure every moment, every love my heart embraced. I need to know each pain I felt, each tragedy I faced. So, if someday I disappear before I leave this life, I beg you to reach out to me and hold on with all your might. For despite how far away I go, I need the world to care. For somewhere in that bewilderment, I still linger there.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024




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Date: 1/3/2024 5:03:00 PM
You are my world, Sara, and I will always care. Very deep and emotional poetry, today. Well written my eastside writing bear! Write On! Hugs, Bill
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/3/2024 5:06:00 PM
thank you, hubby. You are my world too....I will always care for you, regardless! I think our talks and our recent experiences sparked the idea for this poem. GRRR, me
Date: 1/3/2024 1:04:00 PM
Seems like you captured my old age emotions. Nicely penned.
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/3/2024 5:07:00 PM
thank you, Jay....I think all of us 'older types' have similar thoughts and feelings...I feel so vulnerable sometimes...but writing poetry helps. Enjoy your evening, Sara
Date: 1/3/2024 4:19:00 AM
This is so emotive and should be sent to long term dementia facilities Sara. I think the loneliness and the loss of one's mental capacities and subsequently their independence is the greatest fear of growing old for most of us. Excellent poem Sara.
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/3/2024 5:08:00 PM
thanks for your visit and for your suggestion, Nancy. I agree...sometimes care givers (especially in institutions) can't always see the pain and anguish on the faces of those who suffer from dementia. I agree...we 'older types' have an undercurrent of fears. Have a great evening, Sara
Date: 1/2/2024 6:52:00 PM
A huge fear for many people I think.
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/3/2024 4:15:00 AM
I agree...thanks for visiting. Have a splendid Wednesday, Sara
Date: 1/2/2024 5:56:00 PM
We need to feel most moments…the only too painful, we would rather skip!
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/2/2024 6:03:00 PM
I agree...thanks for your comments. Have a great week, Sara
Date: 1/2/2024 2:51:00 PM
Wow, Sara- this touched my heart and soul. I wish you lots of light and love, and that you never get swept away by these things you wrote of....
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/2/2024 6:03:00 PM
awww, thank you! I just think about those things sometime. Every once in a while, I'm overwhelmed..appreciate your kindness & support, hugs, Sara
Date: 1/2/2024 2:34:00 PM
The universal fear methinks, Sara. So well described. I’m a great believer that exercising one’s brain goes a long way to keep it well…. And what better way to exercise said brain than poetry? Fingers crossed!
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/2/2024 6:07:00 PM
thanks, Terry...you're right...lots of folks do think about the things I addressed...and certainly writing poetry and keeping one's brain engaged helps with attitude amongst other things. Thanks for your kind words. Have a great week, Sara
Date: 1/2/2024 11:08:00 AM
Excellent rhyme raising some great questions. Beautiful piece. Wonderful rhythm and flow.
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/2/2024 6:08:00 PM
thank you, Frank, for stopping by and for your supportive comments. I appreciate you taking the time to do so. Have a pleasant week, Sara
Date: 1/2/2024 10:42:00 AM
I thought I commented on this one? Did you post it again? It beautifully explores the universal fears and uncertainties that come with the passage of time and aging.. This heartfelt poem masterfully delves into the apprehensions and reflections that accompany the inevitable march of time. The metaphor of withering like a leaf, losing its autumn hues and worth, brilliantly captures the essence of the speaker's contemplation on aging...
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/2/2024 6:11:00 PM
yes, I accidentally deleted the first submission...a slip of the fingers so to speak. Sorry. Thanks for re-commenting. I'm grateful you read with a purpose and appreciated the metaphor. I think most people have similar ponderings and fears as time marches on...the consequences of actions and choices. Anyway, I much appreciate you taking the time to compliment my poem Have a great evening, Sara
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Silent One
Date: 1/2/2024 10:42:00 AM
IT encapsulates the human condition, prompting readers to reflect on their own fears and desires regarding the passage of time.. Loved it..
Date: 1/2/2024 9:38:00 AM
Sara your poem touched my heart, I worry about the future too, of being all alone, just a soul who’s wandering with bags full of all the things that I can call my own. A marvellous write… Belle
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/2/2024 6:09:00 PM
thanks for the visit and for sharing, Bella. I think most people our age do ponder on such things....must come with the aging territory. Take care and have a great new year, hugs, Sara

Book: Shattered Sighs