The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide

Coffee, Bagel and Time

With walker support he enters the door
He’s there every day, from 10 to 4.
Orders coffee and bagel’d cream-cheese
Then sits there for hours with hands on his knees.

He sits near the window and watches his past
Within his mind as old shadows cast
His vague recollections of sweet reverie
Which only his fading memories see

A smile now and then becomes his vaccine
Against reality’s attempt on the scene
To interrupt the flow of the past
Which for decades he worked to amass.

Loneliness he constantly wears as a coat
His only companion: memories remote.
So … solemnly, quietly he spends his days
He rewinds his memories into replays

Aged and wrinkled thin hands so frail
Around 4 o’clock his walker assail
Again he shuffles out the front door
Tomorrow … he’ll return, and be there once more.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Allison Avatar
July 25, 2014 at 10:32 AM
Tender sad write Jack old age is no one's friend. Hugs Jan xxx
Nehls Avatar
July 19, 2014 at 4:56 AM
This is a sad poem, Jack, and a sad commentary on what are supposed to be the golden years. There is so much to be shared from a soul that has experienced a long life. Sadness that can be turned into joy if only someone was willing to share some time and understanding. I read tour reply to Arlene. It's that effort that is a good example to us all. Thanks for sharing your poem and reply. Your friend... Robert.
Smith Avatar
July 15, 2014 at 12:25 PM
Stars in your crown my kind hearted friend... Big hugs!!
Smith Avatar
July 15, 2014 at 10:00 AM
So sad.. Loneliness his only friend... We see them all the time and never take time to just to say a few words.. Thank you for this write, buddy.. Next time I see an elderly person sitting alone I will make an effort to visit a bit.. Hugs.. Arlene
Clark Avatar
July 15, 2014 at 12:10 PM
I speak to the old gentleman each time I go into the bagel shop ... it's a small thing to do, and I know it helps put a small chink in the loneliness he wears - 'cuz he's told me so. Thanks for stopping in to read, Arlene! Jack C
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The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace