Harry Horsman Poet Free verse

A Voice In the Wilderness

Suitcase in hand, a face polarized against
the frosted window pane, searching verily
for continuity of a life that knew no restraint.
Someone’s Grandfather a considerate Uncle,
life’s situation upon the wane, a link within
the prejudicial chain of forfeited souls. 
One’s transitions ablaze in the haze, an index
to summarize each hiatus gaze, grappling to come
to terms with this enforced deed of human kindness.
Guided by caring hands, assembled around the room
each demising chair, filled tidily with expressions 
of doom and gloom, here where silence specifies
many words, and lifelong sentiment never heard. Yet
I see an old man in remembrance of his youth — 
worth listening to if allowed to speak!*

*Thank you Richard Lamoureux. for the inspiration and line.

 © Harry J Horsman 2019

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

1 2 3

Joe Maverick February 20, 2022 at 2:29 PM Just revisiting this Harry.'

Brian Sambourne August 22, 2021 at 9:43 PM Thank you, Harry, for guiding me to this exceptional write. Your final line says much about the still relevant voices of the aged when listeners regard their speech. Take care. Be well. Brian

Joe Maverick July 31, 2021 at 11:43 PM (To summeriaze each hiatus gaze) that line Stands out for me in an outstanding write full Of emotional undercurrents' Well done Harry.'

Beata Agustin October 23, 2020 at 2:41 AM Congrats! Thanks for sharing this, making me reflect on how responsible am I in responding to your last lines: "I see an old man in remembrance of his youth — worth listening to if allowed to speak!" God bless you.

John Watt October 22, 2020 at 10:46 PM Deep and soulful, Harry. Happy to see this free verse make top three in Linda's contest. Big congrats to you!

Andrea Dietrich October 22, 2020 at 2:28 PM wow, Harry, how awesome to see this one of yours resurrected!Big congrats, my friend. I can't believe I won when I did not even know there was a line limit. It was so kind of PD to give me a win.

Poet Destroyer A October 22, 2020 at 1:56 AM CONGRATULATIONS!!! Harry, I'm was excited to see who made my winning list. It was a great honor, to see you on my list. Now, I have an excuse to come and say hello and smile right back at you. I don't feel at place yet, that's why I'm taking baby steps. LOL... By, that way I enjoyed the imagery and the warm feeling when reading your entry. Somehow Seemingly sad, yet warm at the end. Excellent imagery, that's why this was one of my top poems. ALways A FAN ~LUV LINDA~

Kai Michael Neumann December 19, 2019 at 6:28 AM Seniority has many advantages. While it may be considered the privilege of youth to find their own dead ends, communion and communication between generations is one of the ways forward. Merry Christmas, Kai

Anil Deo December 8, 2019 at 10:36 PM Resonates! Hence almost 400 clicks, Sir Harry, who is living a GOOD life, if I say so meself. Shalom, shalom and Season's Blessings. Anil Deo

Aqua Marine December 6, 2019 at 5:05 PM A voice in the wilderness - breaking tbe silence with a loud statement that cannot be ignored...You have so much to give, Harry- All that precious wisdom needs to be heard. I will visit your poems more often. (I went through a quiet spell for a while..) Warmest regards ~~Aqua M~~

Connie Marcum Wong November 7, 2019 at 1:01 PM This poem is really excellent Harry. I hope to see it a top winner. xxoo

Robert Lindley November 2, 2019 at 9:39 AM Great poetry my friend. Very profound verses that speak of a sad reality in life. You nailed it with this gem.... A fav... " AS OLD MAN WOKE, EMPTY ROOM SPOKE* SILENCE CRIED, YOU HAVE YET TO DIE* MORTAL FLESH IS YOUR CHAFFING YOKE* DEEPEST REGRET YOUR FALLEN CRY!* This came to me because of your poem, I will use it to write a poem today- thanks!

Linda Milgate October 30, 2019 at 2:56 PM Glad I found this, found the words and sounds took me right into the room. Could feel the people in the room. Could feel him. Great poem.

Midnight Aurora October 27, 2019 at 6:31 PM Very poetic and reflective piece. I feel like it is I who is there...

Lindsay Laurie October 24, 2019 at 10:39 PM G'day Harry … this work is so good Harry. A friend and I over time spent time asking questions and listening to these elders. My friend taped their conversations and wrote a book using twenty or so old drovers etc. from the Top End and outback. We can't afford to lose their disappearing history - thank you Harry - Lindsay

Matthew Anish October 24, 2019 at 10:07 AM Samuel Johnson said that to have a good life one should realize when young that he or she will eventually be old. And when old one must remember that he or she was once young. You spell this out well in your poem! Peace & Blessings Matthew Anish

Richard Lamoureux October 22, 2019 at 8:20 AM I enjoyed giving this one another read. It appears I have excellent taste in poetry. Thanks for your visit Harry.

Andrea Dietrich October 19, 2019 at 1:41 PM back with more congrats for your deserved win in Richard's contest.

Arturo Michael October 18, 2019 at 3:39 PM "here where silence specifies many words, and lifelong sentiment never heard." I like this...Wonderful write...

Mark Toney October 16, 2019 at 12:46 PM Harry, this is both powerful and brilliant. You describe a scene that is being replicated around the world on a daily basis. A belated congratulations on Poem of the Day! ~Mark

Andrea Dietrich October 14, 2019 at 11:33 AM Where is your bird lady poem again, Harry? If you enter it, be sure it fits Dear Heart's guidelines. I hope to see it on the winner list!!

Silent One October 13, 2019 at 1:38 PM Excellent choice for potd.. Congrats.

Mystic Rose Rose October 12, 2019 at 12:51 PM We have a treasure to impart if only the would listen and adhere, very well shared dear Harry.

Jeanne Mcgee October 12, 2019 at 9:33 AM Oh Harry, what a "to the heart" poem you've penned here...congrats on your POTD.

Vegter Papyrus October 12, 2019 at 3:11 AM When visiting places, the poet takes mental snapshots of their surroundings. This is a picture that the reader gets to stroll down the corridors along with the photographer. I damn near can see faces of the nurses caring for these angels. AMAZINGLY DONE, and rewarded the way it should be. CONGRATULATIONS! Vegter Papyrus October 12, 2019 at 3:12 AM Not mentioning the hospital or hospice is ingenious.

1 2 3