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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]

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Deb M

Date: 1/26/2022 11:17:00 PM

Aww that’s really lovely John….how lucky are you to still have it from way back when! Enjoyed….Debx

John Watt
Date: 1/29/2022 2:44:00 PM

Thank you for the kind words, Deb

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 12/16/2021 5:55:00 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.

John Watt
Date: 1/29/2022 2:44:00 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.

Susan Ashley

Date: 12/13/2021 4:06:00 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

John Watt
Date: 1/29/2022 2:39:00 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!

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 12/2/2021 4:48:00 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.

John Watt
Date: 1/29/2022 2:35:00 PM

I was mostly writing song lyrics back then, which this one was.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 12/2/2021 4:48:00 PM

oh and POTD. Wow! Congrats

John Watt
Date: 1/29/2022 2:34:00 PM

Thank you, Andrea

John Hamilton

Date: 12/1/2021 7:11:00 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.

John Watt
Date: 12/2/2021 11:57:00 AM

Thank you so much John, it's very nice to hear from a lyricist whom I admire. Enjoy your day ~ John

Hannah Borke

Date: 11/22/2021 4:09:00 PM

Loneliness can help a person sense G-d’s Presence

John Watt
Date: 11/23/2021 10:59:00 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

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 11/19/2021 9:33:00 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

John Watt
Date: 11/19/2021 10:10:00 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

Valsa George

Date: 11/18/2021 9:08:00 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

John Watt
Date: 11/18/2021 11:11:00 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

Jan Allison

Date: 11/18/2021 1:19:00 PM

such touching lyrics that sadly many can relate to, many congrats on POTD, hugs Jan xx

John Watt
Date: 11/18/2021 2:28:00 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

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 11/18/2021 1:12:00 PM

Aww! To find one’s way when catapulted from the nest… congratulations on POTD!

John Watt
Date: 11/18/2021 2:27:00 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

Joanna Daniel

Date: 11/17/2021 11:52:00 PM

A touching lyric, John, lonely, yet endearing:)

John Watt
Date: 11/18/2021 2:25:00 PM

Thank you, my friend. Always lovely to read your encouraging words ~ John

John Lawless

Date: 11/17/2021 4:33:00 AM

And a magnificent comeback it is Lin. Welcome home poet!!

Lin Lane
Date: 11/17/2021 11:55:00 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.

Tania Kitchin

Date: 11/16/2021 4:10:00 PM

Wonderfully penned John, I can feel the loneliness expressed, I have felt this way at times in my life, congratulations on POTD!

John Watt
Date: 11/16/2021 11:30:00 PM

Thank you, Tania. I think many can relate to the feeling of isolation. I appreciate hearing from you today ~ John

Cathy Strackbein

Date: 11/16/2021 2:47:00 PM

Such a pretty poem. Congrats on POTD!!

John Watt
Date: 11/16/2021 11:28:00 PM

Thanks for the friendly visit, Cathy. It's nice to meet you ~ John

Debra L Brown

Date: 11/16/2021 1:37:00 PM

What a beautiful poem, Congratulations on poem of the day ~ Debbie

John Watt
Date: 11/16/2021 2:07:00 PM

Thank you Debbie, for your kind words and congrats. Enjoy your day ~ John

Karen Jones

Date: 11/16/2021 12:26:00 PM

What a melodic write loved this!

John Watt
Date: 11/16/2021 1:07:00 PM

What a nice thing to say! Thank you, Karen

Constance La France

Date: 11/16/2021 10:57:00 AM

John, a wonderful writer even then and congratulations on receiving the POEM OF THE DAY honor ~ peace and tranquility _Constance

John Watt
Date: 11/16/2021 11:00:00 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

Brandy Nicole

Date: 11/16/2021 9:48:00 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

John Watt
Date: 11/16/2021 10:58:00 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

Gershon Wolf

Date: 11/16/2021 9:34:00 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

John Watt
Date: 11/16/2021 10:53:00 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

Michelle Faulkner

Date: 11/16/2021 8:58:00 AM

Thrilled to see this as POTD, John, your talent as a wordsmith is truly inspiring! Hope you have a terrific Tuesday!

John Watt
Date: 11/16/2021 10:49:00 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

Lin Lane

Date: 11/16/2021 8:39:00 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.

Lin Lane
Date: 11/16/2021 12:39:00 PM

You're so welcome, John. Thank you for remembering me. I've been well and hope you are in tip top shape!

John Watt
Date: 11/16/2021 10:47:00 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.

Beryl Edmonds

Date: 11/16/2021 8:35:00 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

John Watt
Date: 11/16/2021 10:44:00 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

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 11/16/2021 8:12:00 AM

WOW!!! Congratulations on your POTD win. A "Wonderful" yet sad write. Love It. Have a blessed day................

John Watt
Date: 11/16/2021 10:43:00 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