David Crandall Poet Rhyme

Notes About The Poem

For 1492 Poetry Contest sponsored by Brian Strand

At the Gate

Once, you loved and welcomed me. 
Now, I'm at the gate. 

Once, there was peace and love.
Now, only vitriol and hate.

Once, there was democracy. 
Now, we tempt the hands of fate.

Once, there was infinity, 
Now, a sideways eight.

Once, there were hopes and prayers. 
Now, it is too late.

Once, there was eternity. 
Now, a headstone and a date.

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Kim Rodrigues July 19, 2026 at 4:17 AM Nicely done, David! David Crandall July 19, 2026 at 4:39 PM Thanks, Kim!

Andrea Dietrich July 18, 2026 at 9:48 PM Never just a headstone and a date. But I get the drift of this all too well. Great work, David David Crandall July 19, 2026 at 4:39 PM Thanks, Andrea. I'm glad to have received yours and others positive comments. I hesitated before posting because I felt like it was so depressing. David Crandall July 19, 2026 at 4:38 PM Thanks, Andrea. I'm glad to have received yours and others positive comments. I hesitated before posting because I felt like it was so depressing.

Gershon Wolf July 18, 2026 at 9:14 PM That last couplet is perfect. Gives new meaning to the term 'dating.' ~ gw David Crandall July 19, 2026 at 4:37 PM Thanks, Gershon - I guess we all get to go on that date, but I hope mine will be as far in the future as possible!

Sara Kendrick July 18, 2026 at 4:33 PM I now own a plot of land and there is a memorial gravestone there, David. My husband said he did not want to see his name on one so now I look at it since he is gone. I enjoyed reading this one which reaches out to me. Sara K. David Crandall July 19, 2026 at 4:36 PM Sara, I'm glad that this poem spoke to you, but I'm not glad for what you are going through.