Say It Ain'T So, Joe

They were married for sixty-seven years.
Lovely she still was to him,
though wrinkled of face and hair of pure snow.
Entwined hearts forever held sparkle and glow.
Honestly believing, he was the luckiest man alive.

Just thankful to be by her side,
sharing her life and giving her all that he could.
But fate did loom, bringing unmerciful doom....
she died a long time too soon....
leaving a lonely and broken-hearted man.

To his son, he said, "Say it ain’t so, Joe!
Just say it ain’t so!
She can’t be gone.
She’s been with me so long.
What can I do without her?"

As news spread throughout the town,
many a friend came to call.
He tried to maintain, but three months away,
his heart just couldn’t withstand.....he died that day.
Mourned, his daughter to her brother, amid flowing tears:

"Say it ain’t so, Joe!
Please say it ain’t so!"


CATCH PHRASE: SAY IT AIN'T SO, JOE
Contest Sponsored by:  Deborah Guzzi
Won:  5th Place
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010


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Date: 2/28/2011 2:06:00 PM
A great story of life long love and heartache, sadly this ending comes to fruition far to often in life and I have personally witnessed also, very well done sad piece.
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Date: 7/17/2010 5:37:00 PM
i knew this would win something. John Henry Loving III
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Date: 6/21/2010 8:13:00 AM
Congratulations on your win in Deborah Guzzi's contest "Catch Phrase" Carolyn. Love, Carol
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Date: 6/15/2010 4:56:00 PM
This was really, REALLY good. Sad, but so well written. Congrats on your placement. Getting a 7 and a favorite for this!
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Date: 6/15/2010 9:05:00 AM
Congrats Carolyn on your winning poem in the Catch Phrase Contest with this wonderful write around your assigned phrase... enjoy a wonderful win ..with luv from the "Sweetheart"
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Date: 6/13/2010 5:31:00 PM
Great entry Carolyn. This happens so often that a survivor of a long marriage, dies soon after he has lost his mate. Great love story. Thanks for commenting on my entry for "Nobody Home" contest. Love, Joyce
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Date: 6/13/2010 10:13:00 AM
I give this a high mark as it cries out to be a song lyric, especially a traditional folk melody. Really, read this carefully with that in mind. I'm true on this. Regards, Gerard.
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Date: 6/6/2010 4:58:00 PM
Wow. This is a wonderful poem. She was lucky woman to be cared for by a husband who admired and cherished her so greatly, as he was a lucky man to have married the love of his life. I appreciate how the catch phrase is repeated by the daughter after her father's death.
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Date: 6/5/2010 4:45:00 PM
Wow, Carolyn...the tears I cry this evening is of sadness and joy! This I'm sure is a true story? 'Cause similar occurences have happened to a few older couples I know..God is merciful..that's all I can say..And I wish you good luck in the contest, even though that's not necessary! This is a winner! .Thanks for leaving comments on my poems...God bless. Peace and love, Audrey
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Date: 6/5/2010 5:59:00 AM
What a great write this should be in a book can see this in tops 5 sadden imagery here too thanks for sharing and for your kindest comment on my poem too keep that pen flowing I still have to do one for this too Id better get stepping
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Date: 6/5/2010 5:46:00 AM
who knew sadness could be mingled with such beauty!??! very well written!!
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Date: 6/5/2010 5:19:00 AM
I just read the poem and the comment below .. im speechless, poignantly sad love Jayne
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Date: 6/4/2010 1:24:00 PM
Oh, Carolyn, this is so sad...and I read your comment to Andrea, saying this was a true account. I can hear the cry as if I am standing there..."say it ain't so"...brings tears to my eyes. Well done. >>>Love, Carrie
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Date: 6/4/2010 6:48:00 AM
enjoyed your sad write, the catch phrase fits
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Date: 6/3/2010 11:30:00 PM
This is a very sentimental poem,Heartbreaking to read and at the same moment so beautiful!C elene.
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Date: 6/3/2010 3:45:00 PM
I was expecting a different scenario with this catch phrase, but wow, you sure made this into a very emotional piece, Carolyn! Very nicely done! Wish you the best in the contest :)
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Date: 6/3/2010 3:30:00 PM
Now here is some emotion! You go Gal!
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Date: 6/3/2010 1:40:00 PM
YOu did very well, Caroline. Guess what? this was the catch phrase I was hoping to get. My hubbie's name is JOe and I was gonna do a doozie about him. hahaha. Now I gotta think about what to say for 'the natives are getting restless." GEEEEZ. Good luck in this contest. You sure got yours up quickly!! Luv, andra
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Date: 6/3/2010 9:49:00 AM
A great one for the contest. Sad but heartfelt. Thank you for your comments on my rondel. Love, Joyce
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Date: 6/3/2010 8:23:00 AM
Oh, Carolyn, this is a sad poem that has so much truth in it. How unbearable it is to lose a lifelong mate. What a great interpretation of your catch phrase! Well done! Love, Carolyn
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Date: 6/3/2010 8:19:00 AM
WOW Carolyn.....This is a sad bur truly AWESOME write.....Good Luck in the contest.....Larry
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Date: 6/2/2010 12:41:00 PM
Very touching write...Great expressive write of love that deep abiding love of two people that enjoy each other for life...Keep the creative pen flowing..Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my work...Sara
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Date: 6/2/2010 12:28:00 PM
A very poetic comment Carolyn and so appreciated ... luv your Catch Phrase poem also and good luck in the contest.. now this is competition with a catch..haha.. enjoyed your creative write...luv.. Linda-Marie..
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Date: 6/2/2010 12:05:00 PM
dear GF..really good...yet the last line about the daughter is unclear? to me? we were talking of a wife?...hmmmmm perhaps he died too? if so it could be a wee bit clearer? Light & Love (Also...make it clear if HE is Joe?)
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Date: 6/2/2010 11:25:00 AM
I like the intermittent rhyming pattern. The story line is also very imaginative. Great job! Joseph
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