Jan Oskar Hansen Poet Blank verse

Ancient Hamlet

Ancient Hamlet

Houses around me are emptying, the old reaching 
the age of dying, are passing away.  A timeworn man 
went missing on Monday he was found miles away 
by the police who drove him back home, he had tried 
to flee didn’t know where and he had no money.
Behind locked doors in darkened rooms he tries to 
stave off the preordained. The sunlight, unbearable
reminds him of future suns he will not live to see, or 
for that matter, the rain that falls.  When a car stops he 
shakes with fear, is it a hearse coming for him? Voices 
of happy children are like derision of his elderliness.
He longs for peace but fear death’s cruel endlessness.

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Kathryn Collins October 14, 2013 at 9:29 AM Dear Jan - "happy children are like derision of his elderliness." Fear is master when the vital cannot be enjoyed. When Neil died, I said I didn't want to become a bitter old woman. I am jealous of young mothers but my memories are unrealistically kind. love, Kathy P.S. - I loved your rubber band comment - a fine analogy to the physical therapist stretching my muscles - I did hit the moon. I'll bet there's a poem in your comment. Jan Oskar Hansen October 15, 2013 at 2:50 PM it is sad really dome old people fear death so much they forget to enjoy the sunlight hope you are well dear Kathy

Terry O'Leary October 12, 2013 at 8:25 AM All (good) things end... very nice... Terry Jan Oskar Hansen October 12, 2013 at 9:04 AM thank you Terry

Monterey Sirak October 12, 2013 at 7:51 AM This poem is rich with emotion. I spent many years caring for the elderly and this tugged at my heart. Jan Oskar Hansen October 12, 2013 at 9:05 AM thank you Monterey Sirak