Joseph P. DiMino Poet Free verse

In My Latter Years

In my latter years now
I seldom leave home
Excepting for groceries,
Cat food a must! Along
With required Dr. visits,
Often reminded that,
No matter how well I feel
I could be dying.... 
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The piano tuner came back
Today, told me that my instrument
Was fine! Well, I replied, can you
Do something about those out of
Tune birds? New batteries he suggested.
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I was in the backyard today,
Putzing around the garden.
An early spring seeing in
The offering – swore I heard
The old fig tree sigh, already
Another season! Actually,
Nature would get along richly
Able without the two of us —

Dusted your empty lawn chair —
Valentine's tomorrow. Your Rose
And I have not forgotten.

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Andrea Dietrich March 9, 2026 at 2:05 PM Seeing this one again, I appreciate it even more. A fave Joseph P. DiMino March 10, 2026 at 1:23 AM Hi Andrea; thank you. Have a wonderful writing day!

Ink Empress February 23, 2026 at 10:25 AM Oh my heart hurts reading the finishing lines. Sigh dear Joe, i hope you are well, your poems are always so real and so refreshing to the soul to read as they express your innermost thoughts so effortlessly always ... i felt the line when you mentioned also about the trees sighing. I hope valentines day well well. This is such a soulful poem, i felt it deeply. Sending you light today and always. Do whatever feeds your soul ... i generally dont like going out to honest unless its necessary. Joseph P. DiMino March 4, 2026 at 6:36 AM Thank you, IE; I am fine. Will be back to comment and post soon. Have a great day my friend!

Joe Maverick February 20, 2026 at 12:42 PM Joe Dimino..i have mails from you and James Parentaux..Bug can't open them.) Joseph P. DiMino February 21, 2026 at 3:03 PM Thank you, Joe; for letting me know. I'm sure they will get things sorted out again shortly. Blessings my friend.

Valsa George February 15, 2026 at 4:13 AM Dear Joe, I feel a sense of sadness in your lines. Don't confine yourself to your home. Go out, meet people. Think you are young enough to see many more springs arriving in rotation. Joseph P. DiMino February 20, 2026 at 12:13 AM Of course, life is for living. Always do one's best. Thank you, Valsa.

Joe Maverick February 13, 2026 at 9:12 PM Hold onto the good memories Joe Dimino..' They will be part of Your heaven to come, i trust.' All blessings.' Joseph P. DiMino February 20, 2026 at 12:13 AM Thank you, Joe; for sure, great advise. Blessings.

sara Etgen-Baker February 11, 2026 at 3:08 PM what a bittersweet feel this poem had. We don't get out as much either these days--just what we need to do....I have my mother's cedar chest in our bedroom. Everytime I dust it I say to mom, I've not forgotten you, especially on Valentine's Day...that was the day she passed. sigh. Faving Joseph P. DiMino February 12, 2026 at 6:44 PM Thank you, Sara; so pleased you could poignantly relate. Made my day.

Bill Baker February 9, 2026 at 3:48 PM Enjoyed your poetry today, Joe. The lifestyle seems very familiar, my friend. May your days be filled with peace and moments when you sense the presence of your Loving God. Smiles ~ Blessing Your poet friend in Texas, Bill Joseph P. DiMino February 10, 2026 at 10:19 AM I hear you, Bill; just a normal part of the process. Thank you. In him we are made new.

Andrea Dietrich February 9, 2026 at 12:14 PM That middle one was funny and you became reflective and poignant at the end of this set. Very enjoyable and relatable reading Joseph P. DiMino February 10, 2026 at 10:24 AM Thank you, Andrea; sort of a different way to experiment with writing, tidbits that can stand alone yet some support the over theme. I think it adds dimension?

Heidi Sands February 9, 2026 at 10:29 AM Well written Joe. I can relate to this :) Joseph P. DiMino February 10, 2026 at 10:24 AM Hi Heidi; so pleased this one worked for you. Blessings my friend.

Gershon Wolf February 8, 2026 at 8:55 PM I too enjoyed your reflections on the 'latter years.' No denying the fact that death lurks around the corner, as we scale back or involvement in the world... Joseph P. DiMino February 9, 2026 at 4:32 AM No chance of forgetting, every medical/vitamin commercial (which are 90 % ) telling us that death is around every corner, in every food, in every drink, in every unprotected moment. Screw it! Let's go to the local pub and have a beer.

Paula Goldsmith February 8, 2026 at 12:35 PM I enjoyed reading your lovely/wonderful "In My Latter Years" write/story. Remember age is just a number. Way tooooo warm for Feb. "Good Luck" if for a contest. Have a fun day/week writing away............... Joseph P. DiMino February 8, 2026 at 1:33 PM I know, unreal...no winter at all this year for us. Not that I am complaining for it has been California Dreaming...but we always say to ourselves, God help us if this is any indication of the upcoming summer to be endured. Thank you, Paula.