Autumn Years

Her friends all departed before her,
No one was left to mourn her passing,
The curse of being somewhat blessed
With a life that is long lasting.

She buried her husband twenty years ago;
Lived in solitude ever since;
Every obituary she read of a friend
Brought tears and made her wince.

Of sound body and sound mind
For a century and more;
Sounds like a gift you might want
But the last twenty years she abhorred.

When at last her body gave out
And released her tormented soul;
No one was left to eulogize her
And make sure her story was told.

The preacher read from the bible
At a service that no one attended;
In a cheap coffin she was lain
And placed in a plot that will go untended.

She had shed tears at many a funeral
For people she dearly loved
But no one is left to cry for her
As she passes to the skies above.

I hope I live to a ripe old age,
But not the oldest of my peers;
I don’t wish to be so alone
In my autumn years.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
September 1, 2010 at 9:28 PM
YOur theme is very much like Carolyn's winning poem too. Congrats on this awesome poem. LUv, Andrea
Mehta Avatar
August 27, 2010 at 7:13 PM
Congrats on the win, Joe
Marymkilker Avatar
August 25, 2010 at 10:48 PM
Very nice
Adeite Avatar
August 25, 2010 at 6:37 PM
congrats on your win
Marcum Wong Avatar
August 24, 2010 at 8:29 PM
Joe, Congratulations on your first place win with this wonderful poem! Life can be very harsh when you lose the love of your life and eventually all the ones you love. You convey this artfully in your poem. Blessings, Connie
Guzzi Avatar
August 24, 2010 at 4:59 PM
Reminds me of a favorite song "It was a Very Good years" Kingston trio...congrad's dude!Light & Love
Dufresne Avatar
August 24, 2010 at 4:11 PM
very empathetic and thoughtful write, JOE.congratulations to you!!!
Culverhouse Avatar
August 24, 2010 at 5:52 AM
congrats on the first place win!! very sad thoughts....better plan your own funeral ahead of time.
Taylor Avatar
August 24, 2010 at 5:30 AM
Congrats, Joe. Outstanding write. What a sad story. Great job. Have a great week. Ralph
Brown Avatar
August 24, 2010 at 5:00 AM
Congratulations Joe on your poetry winning in Paula Swanson's contest "Poetry For Poetry's Sake". Love, Carol
Mannan Avatar
August 23, 2010 at 10:35 PM
What a lovely poem. The sadness and truth of your poem is marvelous. Many congrats for your win.
Kapoor Avatar
August 23, 2010 at 9:23 PM
Excellent beyond words. Sketching the loneliness to an extent that it becomes a Poem or a Song. What a beauty. A well deserving win in the contest my friend. Love and best wishes.....Ravindra
Roberts Avatar
August 23, 2010 at 9:17 PM
what a touching poem, congrats on your first place win
Sweetheart Avatar
August 23, 2010 at 8:47 PM
Congrats Joe on your big first place win in Paula's contest with this rare beauty.. enjoyed with luv..ciao..
Mehta Avatar
August 23, 2010 at 8:07 PM
Congrats on the first place win, Joe
Devonshire Avatar
August 23, 2010 at 8:05 PM
It is hard to live on when those you love have long passed, Joe. Sad there was "no one left to cry for her," but that's what happens when people outlive their families and friends. Congratulations on another first-place win, my friend. Love, Carolyn
Falotico Avatar
August 22, 2010 at 6:19 AM
Well done Joe, very deep write.. always Michael
Sweetheart Avatar
August 21, 2010 at 9:24 PM
Intense poetry Joe but one to really read over and over again.. as it fits life in general..enjoyed on my wedding day.. ciao..luv..
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