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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

Date: 10/14/2013 9:29:00 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
Date: 10/15/2013 2:50:00 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

Date: 10/12/2013 8:25:00 AM

All (good) things end... very nice... Terry

Jan Oskar Hansen
Date: 10/12/2013 9:04:00 AM

thank you Terry

Monterey Sirak

Date: 10/12/2013 7:51:00 AM

This poem is rich with emotion. I spent many years caring for the elderly and this tugged at my heart.

Jan Oskar Hansen
Date: 10/12/2013 9:05:00 AM

thank you Monterey Sirak