Sandra Haight Poet Iambic Pentameter

Notes About The Poem

Written, May 19, 2025
For The Contest, “Abandon”
Sponsor, Constance La France

1st Place

 

2025 Poetry Marathon Mile 20 Poetry Contest 
Sponsor, Mark Toney 
Entered, October 4, 2025

Abandon Her- He Did

“To be abandoned by your own
             is the most painful sadness known”
                                              _by Poet

She lives alone, although her son lives there
a floor below- but they are worlds apart.
He comes and goes without a single care;
this sad abandon stabs his mother's heart.

He pays no rent or helps with any chores.
Her food's delivered- ordered on the phone.
She cannot drive or visit any stores.
So with a broken heart, she deals alone.

Three other children live some miles away
and try to visit her throughout the year;
but cannot force their sibling to obey
and help their mother out by force or fear.

Abandoned now at eighty-two years old;
how does a mother deal with such great pain?
To get him out, the family was told,
“You can't expel a son from their domain.”

No course exists to remedy this wrong,
a son who so abandons her this way.
No reasons for his actions came along
for her to live this hell from day to day.

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Sara Kendrick May 26, 2025 at 5:03 AM I can feel the pain in these lines. A sad situation which is very real for so many elderly people. Thanks for sharing this heart-wrenching story in poetic form with us. Way to go. Congratulations on your winner. Sara K

Abdul Malik Mandani May 25, 2025 at 7:57 PM Wow, this is so good. So true in many a case, nowadays. For me, the best. Top of the lot.

Daniel Henry Rodgers May 20, 2025 at 5:27 AM Dearest Sandra, It is sad! What a portrait of loneliness and longing but yet, I sensed quiet strength. Your honest, compassionate voice shines through every line, capturing the ache of abandonment with grace and empathy. It is shows that we need to recognize the importance of kindness and connection, even in the hardest moments. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel Sandra Haight May 20, 2025 at 5:57 AM Daniel, thank you so much for reading my poem and for your very supportive and uplifting comments. Yes, this is very sad, and is the true story of someone I know. Again, I appreciate your visit and kind words. Sandra

Kim Rodrigues May 19, 2025 at 11:28 AM That is sad. My bro-in-law’s mom had to endure not hearing from one son for many years. My sis tracked him down. His ship was right next to my son’s ship. So my son was put in the uncomfortable position of finding him. Her son said my son was weird…no just the opposite…funny how perspective is! My son was cajoled by his Aunt…so only for her sake. The man now lives with his mom. Sandra Haight May 20, 2025 at 6:06 AM Yes, Kim, very sad indeed. So glad your story finally ended up with a positive solution, but so much pain suffered before that. I don't believe there's any hope for the mother I wrote about, who is not family, so there's not much we can do. Hugs, Sandra