John Hamilton Poet Rhyme

Hollow Man

Hollow man

Hollow man, an empty vessel,
lived life with vain abandon
Selfishness and carnal lust
were his constant companions

Happiness was sought, indulging
frantically in fleshly pleasures
Pain was his only reward instead
of priceless treasures.

Chasing worthless endeavors,
enticed by deluded aspirations
Followed the leanings of his foolish heart,
lead to altered expectations

He gulped down licentiously, 
every drink that was in fashion
Spent his life in wantonness and
unbridled passions

He spiraled down, seduced into
debauchery's  black hole
and wonders to himself, why there
is emptiness in his soul

He seared his innocent conscience,
rejected words heard so long ago
Truth remains even though despised,
you will reap what you sow

Now, he sits, disillusioned and alone,
staring into the cracked mirror
His bleary eyes beginning to see,
the truth ever clearer

Still, he ponders 
if these consequences...
are part of destiny's plan...

it's hard to admit to himself, 

his own bad choices...
created this...

hollow man.


April 10,2017

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Susan Gentry June 20, 2018 at 11:36 PM Congratulations on your win! Hit home. John Hamilton June 21, 2018 at 11:39 AM Thanks Susan, was a nice surprise!

Carrie Richards June 16, 2018 at 7:52 PM This is so fitting with the word "hollow". What could be more hollow than this scenario . Well done !! Congrats on your win! John Hamilton June 16, 2018 at 8:38 PM Thanks Carrie!

Line Gauthier June 16, 2018 at 5:14 PM Well penned, John. Congrats on your well deserved win. John Hamilton June 16, 2018 at 8:38 PM Thanks Line!

Constance La France June 16, 2018 at 11:46 AM John congratulations on your win in the contest with this excellent poem. Hope you are having a good day. Constance John Hamilton June 16, 2018 at 1:10 PM Thanks Constance!

Eve Roper June 16, 2018 at 10:32 AM Congratulations on your awesome win, John. Hugs Eve ~' * John Hamilton June 16, 2018 at 1:09 PM Thanks Eve!

Joseph May June 16, 2018 at 10:17 AM Going down the hollow path..Congrats on your win John Hamilton June 16, 2018 at 1:09 PM Thanks Joseph!

Winged Warrior June 16, 2018 at 9:41 AM Beautifully penned my friend...a reflection that sometimes peaks its ugly stare...love & light to all reflections of hollowmen...^WW^ John Hamilton June 16, 2018 at 1:09 PM Thanks WW, was a nice surprise! I don't enter contests much anymore.

Heidi Sands June 16, 2018 at 7:47 AM Congratulations for your win John :) John Hamilton June 16, 2018 at 1:08 PM Thanks Heidi, was a nice surprise!

Susan Ashley January 20, 2018 at 10:46 PM John, a captivating, expressive, thoughtful and thought provoking, poignant write. A very smooth rhythm and excellent rhymes tells the sad story beautifully. Warmest wishes ~Susan Susan Ashley January 23, 2018 at 3:44 PM You're welcome John. Truly, the pleasure was all mine! John Hamilton January 23, 2018 at 12:46 PM Thanks Susan, for visiting this older poem, now after reading it again, I'm going to touch up a few things, thanks for bringing me back!

Gregory Richard Barden June 23, 2017 at 11:10 PM OK, who said you could write my bio?!? Wow! This is incredible - and so pertinent to many of us, I think ... wish I could say this was me in my youth, but it took me much longer to realize what life was really about, and I had destroyed everything by then. This is hard-hitting and wonderfully-written, John, and so very honest. Love it - Fav! John Hamilton June 24, 2017 at 2:52 PM Seems like many can relate to these words, too bad we use our youth to ruin our future, one 80 year old man told me I just figured out how to live, and now it's time to die, so sad. Thanks so much for the many visits today!

Freddie Robinson Jr. May 14, 2017 at 5:50 PM Great poem, John! It seems like you were writing about me in my youth. Such powerful truth. If any part of this searing poem is self-introspection, you've examined yourself well. Love the staccato style ending ... like truth bullets hitting the readers' heart blow by blow. Magnificent and classic poem. A 7 and a fave. Love and peace, brother. John Hamilton May 14, 2017 at 7:31 PM Wow Freddie, thanks for the great comment and fave, sorry if it hit close to home, no not an introspection, just an observation about some people I know... really!!!

James Inman May 3, 2017 at 10:18 AM Great write John. Easily relatable. John Hamilton May 3, 2017 at 5:17 PM Hope not too relatable lol! Thanks James

Darren White April 20, 2017 at 4:32 AM This hollow man, he sits in front of the mirror and realizes. And that is the first day of the rest of his life. Because he now has the chance to fill the vessel with beauty and importance. It is never too late. A very honest and moving portrait. John Hamilton April 20, 2017 at 12:17 PM Thanks Darren, it's true it's never too late, but he still has to make amends, to move forward, acknowledging wrongs that hurt others, is the first step for sure!

Lisa Ricci April 18, 2017 at 5:56 AM Good Morning John. It was an honor turning to this entry. By the title I know it would be saying something but not to the magnitude once reading. This entry speaks to me. Bless the hollow man for he may have is reasons why choices were made that perhaps some may not understand including himself. You have expressed yourself and this entry with clarity and flow. Well done entirely including the title to which you never strayed. Enjoy the morning and day. John Hamilton April 18, 2017 at 9:15 AM Thank you Lisa for your insightful comment, I'm glad that you enjoyed the depth of this poem. Yes we hope the hollow man can make amends to all he hurt, and then be blessed.

Lynn Marie April 11, 2017 at 2:36 PM A reflective piece that is a tragic reality for far too many. I like how you take the reader through the phases of this man's life to becoming 'hollow' and stating it was his 'bad choices'. A terrific piece John with insight and sad truths. blessings xxx John Hamilton April 11, 2017 at 2:49 PM Thanks Lynn I always enjoy your insightful comments,few today enjoy introspective pieces like this.

Andrea Dietrich April 11, 2017 at 12:24 AM wow, this is very insightful about what makes a man this way, so shallow inside after years of bad habits. Very well done, John. A SEVEN (and thanks for my placement in your contest) John Hamilton April 11, 2017 at 2:50 PM Thanks Andrea I appreciate the visit and comment.

Chris Green April 10, 2017 at 5:03 PM Nicely crafted. The storyline in this is sad and lonely, but it is a result of his own doing. The rhymes in this were very smooth and unforced and the rhythm moved along at a pace perfect for the subject or theme. You have captured this dark scene really well. John Hamilton April 10, 2017 at 10:20 PM Thanks Chris brave first comment, thanks a lot I know introspective pieces are not everyone's cup of tea but hey I don't like tea much anyway.