Get Your Premium Membership

Hanky Panky

I feel just like that old grey squirrel, whose belly is empty as can be. He keeps on searching for those acorns, but he has climbed up a maple tree. He worked hard and long the whole darn year, burying his food out on the lawn. But when he went back to grab a snack, he had found the whole damn thing was gone. All because some stupid bureaucrat, said he had filled out all the wrong forms. Now there’s nothing left of his nest egg, to help him survive the winter’s storms. I keep rolling the dice for sevens, somehow, I always end up with eight. Each time I think I’ve reached the garden, someone has already locked the gate. Now I’m too old to hanky panky, and I’m too tired to even care. Point me towards the supper table, and just see how fast I’ll make it there. So don’t dare ask me where I’m going, 'cause I can’t remember where I’ve been. I’m sick of always losing the race, Just when will it be my turn to win? Why do I keep reaching for those dreams, when I know they’re unattainable. Anytime I find a little hope, I know it is not sustainable. Yes, I know I’m insignificant, you don’t have to keep pointing it out. I did not fall off the turnip truck, with no idea what life’s about. I know that there are no right answers, because it’s all just lies and deceit. But before I even start the race, seems that I have already been beat. If you gave a penny for my thoughts, that’s likely twice what they would be worth. I may be, ugly, poor, and broken, but I’ve always been that way since birth. All I can hope is when I’m buried somewhere beneath a simple grey stone. That the epitaph carved into it, “Here lies a man who didn’t die alone.”

Copyright © | Year Posted 2023




Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 10/16/2023 2:24:00 PM
Jerry you say it like it is with humour and heart thats what l love about your poems. With your humour and personality l doubt you will die alone! Brilliant poem….Debx
Login to Reply
Brotherton Avatar
Jerry Brotherton
Date: 11/21/2023 10:45:00 AM
Thank you for your encouraging words.
Date: 10/13/2023 5:25:00 PM
I love it, Jerry, a FAV for my list, my friend. I like it when a poet tells it just like it is, and you did. Great rhyming to boot. Have a great weekend! Bill
Login to Reply
Brotherton Avatar
Jerry Brotherton
Date: 10/14/2023 6:11:00 PM
Thanks, Bill. Some day, maybe I will end up on the top.
Date: 10/13/2023 1:05:00 PM
Your poem was wonderful, Jerry...made me smile. I loved the comparison to the squirrel. I also appreciate the serious turn your poem took. I've found as I've aged, that I do feel insignificant, almost invisible at times. Yet I believe in your epitaph...beautiful thoughts...have a great Friday evening, Sara
Login to Reply
Brotherton Avatar
Jerry Brotherton
Date: 10/14/2023 6:12:00 PM
Thanks, Sara. That's probably all any of us can ask for my friend.
Date: 10/13/2023 10:13:00 AM
Well you had me laughing out loud from the start with the squirrel up the maple tree but then the poem took a more serious turn, the ending is so poignant but one thing for sure Jerry you certainly will have left your mark with your amazing poems. hugs jan xx
Login to Reply
Brotherton Avatar
Jerry Brotherton
Date: 10/14/2023 6:30:00 PM
Thanks, Jan. Your words humble me, my friend. I did get your mail and replied. Hugs...
Allison Avatar
Jan Allison
Date: 10/13/2023 10:14:00 AM
PS I sent you a soup mail the other day not sure if you received it as you don't have the icon on your page but i sent it from my find poet section. hugs jan xx

Book: Reflection on the Important Things