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The Silent Vigil

(A conjuncture of a busy mind!) Oh dear friend if your health returns As surely does the rising sun May it take this unyielding waste From your shallow face, Sow the seeds of vitality To abide within your limbs And behold the welcome of Strength regained. When within a portrait of well-being So vain one scorns the joys of life indeed While destiny left to the will of God, Yet I must not confess this image reflecting Only one of care and encouragement Till the winter’s eve of his life stains death, No time now I fear of one’s self applause Only the time to seek out repentance. Alas tis with a woeful eye That makes me seek my conscience Which deeply I search to utter What I have within my heart, To watch him close to the Reaper Where attempts to negotiate Peals in tenderness to restore Life from the icy clasp of death. Oh this dwelling of fear these lips cannot express Yet forever dear friend in my memory stored! © Harry J Horsman 2010

Copyright © | Year Posted 2010




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Date: 12/20/2010 8:03:00 PM
The last two lines really bring it home, Harry. This is quite poignant. Very heart-felt. About Take Me Home. Did you want to know where my home was? I miss Iowa (when we all lived there together. Now we are spread out across the country in different states!) Luv, Andrea
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Date: 12/13/2010 7:27:00 AM
enjoyed reading your solemn poetry....
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Date: 12/12/2010 8:34:00 AM
a riveting soulful gem that arrests all senses with your visceral images and beautiful poignant mood... much winning luck in the fondest memory contest, john, if this is entered!... warmest, nette
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Date: 12/11/2010 11:42:00 AM
Harry, amazing write... You have an apt way of bringing the emotions across, blessings to you Wilma
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Date: 12/10/2010 1:18:00 PM
We never appreciate life as much as those who are about to lose theirs, Harry. This is quite a moving tribute to your sick friend and I know what it's like to keep that "Silent Vigil." Maybe God will bless your friend with a miracle recovery. Sorry to hear you're going through this. Love and blessings, carolyn
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Date: 12/9/2010 7:54:00 PM
Harry,your poem is very deep and touching.Portrayal of death is very nice.
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Date: 12/9/2010 11:48:00 AM
a very sad and reflective write Harry, with many sentiments, not shore that i get all of it yet i see you have put in much effort. and thank you so much for your comments.
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Date: 12/9/2010 7:25:00 AM
Hello Harry, Wonderful write, I find myself feeling like it all comes and goes so fast! Love this As Always, Shar
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Date: 12/9/2010 6:45:00 AM
Interesting work about death, illness, and being restored...Enjoyed reading your work..I was delighted that you stopped by my work..Sara
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Date: 12/9/2010 6:40:00 AM
A most powerful write Harry my friend.. a memory written brilliantly luv.. with wonderful word usage expressing the entire theme of the contest ... good luck and thankxx for your sweet and warm...always welcome comments with luv..
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Date: 12/9/2010 4:34:00 AM
The emotions are superb Harry. The last line is a masterpiece.
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Date: 12/9/2010 4:32:00 AM
It is a nice tale of so many expressions that we witness in our life, harry
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Date: 12/9/2010 3:29:00 AM
Interesting and well written read. Dark, illness, hope, futility, memories, realization, all wrapped up into one short excellent poem. Nice job
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Book: Shattered Sighs