Notes About The Poem

Everybody's Going Home

The darkness seems pensive
   the laughter is gone
The fire has died out
   the party is done
Tonight there were many
   but soon comes the dawn
The good times are over
   and now there's just one

     Everybody's going home
       my friends had to move on, now I'm all alone
     Everybody's going home
       another tomorrow to face on my own

Sweet memories float by
  of each happy face
Kind smiles of affection 
  that warmed up the place
Some couples, like roses
  entwined in their vase
But now the chill silence
  my only embrace

     Everybody's going home
       my friends had to move on, now I'm all alone
     Everybody's going home
       another tomorrow to face on my own

Stark landscapes of reason
   blue seascapes of rhyme
The changes of season
   that measure our time
My life is a train
   with a schedule to keep
This depot is quiet
   as I strive to sleep

     Everybody's going home
       my friends had to move on, now I'm all alone
     Everybody's going home
       another tomorrow to face on my own

Never is stillness more still than the drone
   of echoes of loved ones gone home to their own.


[written back when I was a lonely college student]
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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12
M  Avatar
January 26, 2022 at 11:17 PM
Aww that’s really lovely John….how lucky are you to still have it from way back when! Enjoyed….Debx
Watt Avatar
January 29, 2022 at 2:44 PM
Thank you for the kind words, Deb
Proxenos Avatar
December 16, 2021 at 5:55 AM
John, this is amazing poetry, hard when you have had so much fun with friends who now have to move on, some to get married, some to emigrate and others perhaps still studying but re-locating. Whatever the case your repetitive verse hits the spot, how lonely a student can be! Congratulations my friend a POTD that is so truly deserved. Hugs, blessings, Jennifer.
Watt Avatar
January 29, 2022 at 2:44 PM
I think this one might have tapped into a vein for many readers. I haven't considered myself a lonely person for many years now, but I did go through some "wilderness" years from age 14-20. I still feel that twi ge once in awhile, especially when a friend I've invested deeply in moves on. Thank you, dear friend, for your kind and thoughtful response.
Ashley Avatar
December 13, 2021 at 4:06 PM
Oh my dear PS-PB, your enormous heart, soul and talent shines in this soulful piece. Metaphorical and lyrical, its apparent that its haunting beauty come from a deep well of artistry, even more amazing when one sees you were a lonely college student when you penned this exquisite introspective poem. "Some couples, like roses /entwine in their vase/But now the chill silence/my only embrace" - wow! I adore the pensive mood and intimate expression of your loneliness, John. The beauty of melancholy and melody was melded, and crafted creatively and effortlessly, under the influence of your eloquent and tender spirit. Belated congratulations for POTD honors.. a worthy and well-deserved recognition for such an exceptional piece. Warmest wishes and hugs to you, my PS-PB.. ~Susan
Watt Avatar
January 29, 2022 at 2:39 PM
Susan, your comments are worthy of awards, dear friend, as anyone who has bathed in the warm sunlight of your kind reviews would attest. Thank you for your much-appreciated congrats and kind thoughts!
Dietrich Avatar
December 2, 2021 at 4:48 PM
oh and POTD. Wow! Congrats
Watt Avatar
January 29, 2022 at 2:34 PM
Thank you, Andrea
Dietrich Avatar
December 2, 2021 at 4:48 PM
gosh, written way back then, eons ago? hahaha. Just kidding! I am very impressed. I was not writing poetry at all in my college days. You showed your great creativity and talent even then.
Watt Avatar
January 29, 2022 at 2:35 PM
I was mostly writing song lyrics back then, which this one was.
Hamilton Avatar
December 1, 2021 at 7:11 PM
Belated congrats John on potd, a remarkable write so long ago, I started to write songs also in my early twenties, soo many years ago lol!! This is really good btw.
Watt Avatar
December 2, 2021 at 11:57 AM
Thank you so much John, it's very nice to hear from a lyricist whom I admire. Enjoy your day ~ John
Borke Avatar
November 22, 2021 at 4:09 PM
Loneliness can help a person sense G-d’s Presence
Watt Avatar
November 23, 2021 at 10:59 PM
I agree, we have more time to think, meditate, or pray when we're alone. Thank you for your visit Hannah, it's nice to meet you ~ John
Proxenos Avatar
November 19, 2021 at 9:33 PM
This is is a gem sorry my congratulations are couple of days late but they come to you with hugs and blessings. Congratulations dear John on the honor bestowed on you . POTD becomes a very special day for us all . Your poetry is alway an enormous joy to read. Jennifer
Watt Avatar
November 19, 2021 at 10:10 PM
My dear friend, no apology is ever necessary... your friendship is a treasure whatever the day. So nice to hear from you, I hope all is well with you. Blessings and hugs ~ John
George Avatar
November 18, 2021 at 9:08 PM
After being surrounded by genial friends, when all of them go home and when one is left alone, it is a time of unspeakable pain and longing. I can very well relate to this feeling. Being far away from home, staying in the hostel, some times such a feeling of isolation has haunted me. A highly possible situation, described so realistically with genuine feelings. Well done John
Watt Avatar
November 18, 2021 at 11:11 PM
Thank you Valsa for hour lovely comment and for sharing your story. I am so grateful for the Soup community that keeps us in touch and helps stave off some of those forlorn feelings. God bless you ~ John
Allison Avatar
November 18, 2021 at 1:19 PM
such touching lyrics that sadly many can relate to, many congrats on POTD, hugs Jan xx
Watt Avatar
November 18, 2021 at 2:28 PM
yes, the topic of loneliness is one many of us have gone through, or experience still. So grateful for your friendship and nice to know you are back on your feet. Hugs ~ John
Rodrigues Avatar
November 18, 2021 at 1:12 PM
Aww! To find one’s way when catapulted from the nest… congratulations on POTD!
Watt Avatar
November 18, 2021 at 2:27 PM
exactly, moving away from home for the first time can be a pretty lonely experience... it certainly was for me. Thanks for the kind visit, my friend ~ John
Daniel Avatar
November 17, 2021 at 11:52 PM
A touching lyric, John, lonely, yet endearing:)
Watt Avatar
November 18, 2021 at 2:25 PM
Thank you, my friend. Always lovely to read your encouraging words ~ John
Lawless Avatar
November 17, 2021 at 4:33 AM
And a magnificent comeback it is Lin. Welcome home poet!!
Lane Avatar
November 17, 2021 at 11:55 AM
Hi John, John Watt told me your comment was diverted to his potd of yesterday, so I'm saying thank you for it as well as for your welcome.
Kitchin Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 4:10 PM
Wonderfully penned John, I can feel the loneliness expressed, I have felt this way at times in my life, congratulations on POTD!
Watt Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 11:30 PM
Thank you, Tania. I think many can relate to the feeling of isolation. I appreciate hearing from you today ~ John
Strackbein Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 2:47 PM
Such a pretty poem. Congrats on POTD!!
Watt Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 11:28 PM
Thanks for the friendly visit, Cathy. It's nice to meet you ~ John
Brown Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 1:37 PM
What a beautiful poem, Congratulations on poem of the day ~ Debbie
Watt Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 2:07 PM
Thank you Debbie, for your kind words and congrats. Enjoy your day ~ John
Jones Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 12:26 PM
What a melodic write loved this!
Watt Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 1:07 PM
What a nice thing to say! Thank you, Karen
La France Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 10:57 AM
John, a wonderful writer even then and congratulations on receiving the POEM OF THE DAY honor ~ peace and tranquility _Constance
Watt Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 11:00 AM
Constance, thank you so much for your kind and generous words and ongoing support of so many here at Soup. I feel the peace and tranquility from your comments and your poems, and am blessed and thankful ~ John
Nicole Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 9:48 AM
John, for you to feel *lonely* is difficult for me to grasp. (Because of the uplifting feel of your poetry) I know that at some point in our lives, we all have felt lost or alone. These thoughts curl softly around me.. "Couples, like roses entwined in their vase" This is soooo beautiful and romantic. You know me, always seeing the positive in a moment. You were amazing writer then, and your talent still shines. Congratulations my dear sweet friend, on Poem of the Day. Hugs, Brandy
Watt Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 10:58 AM
Brandy, you are so right, I do not feel this kind of loneliness these days as I did in my early 20's. I only mentioned the time period so my friends here wouldn't worry that I have lost a loved one recently. The songs I wrote throughout my life are my journal, and it's enlightening to go read them once in a while to revisit the emotional journey life has taken me on. Thank you for mentioning the line about roses in a vase. I so appreciate your wonderful support and encouragement. God bless you today. Hugs ~ John
Wolf Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 9:34 AM
Ha, ha! As you can see, my friend, I was surely not comparing your work to 'stale beer' -- rather to those big tent parties all summer at Jay Gatsby's! Congrats on POTD, John! ~ Homeward bound, gw
Watt Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 10:53 AM
I know you weren't, my friend. I'm glad we can fun with each other in our comments and replies to keep the spirits light. This one was kind of a downer write from my mopey days, so I appreciate our lighthearted banter. I read Great Gatsby in high school and remember it being kind of depressing. Thanks for the return visit, God bless ~ John
Faulkner Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 8:58 AM
Thrilled to see this as POTD, John, your talent as a wordsmith is truly inspiring! Hope you have a terrific Tuesday!
Watt Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 10:49 AM
Thank you dear friend for the return visit and for helping me get my muse inspired this year. So grateful to have you on PS as we grow in our poetic pursuits. Enjoy your day ~ John
Lane Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 8:39 AM
Hello, John. How nice that I'm visiting to see your excellent poem awarded potd. Written when you were so young, and it seems you've only wizened since then. So good to read you again.
Lane Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 12:39 PM
You're so welcome, John. Thank you for remembering me. I've been well and hope you are in tip top shape!
Watt Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 10:47 AM
Lin, what a pleasant surprise to see your smiling face today and recall what a kind soul and fabulous poet you are... I have not been able to be here much myself in 2021... trying to resurrect that but life has been so busy this year. I hope you are well, and thank you so much for the visit and thoughtful comment.
Edmonds  Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 8:35 AM
Beautiful poetry John, it’s lyrical and musical, I found myself singing the words as I read them. Congratulations on poem of the day… Belle
Watt Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 10:44 AM
Belle, if only I could have been a fly on the wall to hear you sing these words... thank you for the generous review and congrats. Enjoy your day ~ John
Goldsmith Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 8:12 AM
WOW!!! Congratulations on your POTD win. A "Wonderful" yet sad write. Love It. Have a blessed day................
Watt Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 10:43 AM
Thank you Paula, I am always uplifted by your kind words. Many of my early writings were sad and introspective, which I suppose comes more when you are frequently alone. Blessings to you ~ John
Peck Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 7:46 AM
A beautiful, thought-provoking poem. And so true ~ all that lingers in the quiet is their laughter. Congratulations on POTD!
Watt Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 10:40 AM
Ann, thank you for your thoughtful comment and congrats. Enjoy your day ~ John
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