Notes About The Poem

Write an Abcedarian Contest  Sponsored by Silent One

                     December 12, 2023

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the Hands of Fate

Another loved one has too soon been taken from me.
Bereaved, now I sorrowfully speak in subdued soliloquy
Consoling myself with solemn prayers, I try not to weep.
Divine God, please hear my humble voice before I sleep.
Each life of family and friend ended with one last breath.
Fate's hands control the destiny for everyone in death.
Grief is an arduous burden to carry for those left behind.
Hearts terribly miss admired ones who come to mind.
Inconsolable am I, and those who are also left alone.
Joyless, will be the days when we kneel at the headstone.
Kindred spirits are we, in need of courage and compassion.
Lost souls with sallow faces whose complexion is ashen.
Mourning masks us with the miserable pallor of gloom.
No name can be given to the reaper; no nom de plume
Other than death, for immortality belongs to no man.
Perhaps one day when there's a change in our lifespan,
Questions will be answered when those we once revered
Return from realms of sleep. No more will death be feared.
Sullen and saturnine we will be for those we once cherished.
Treasured and loved beyond measure before they perished.
Usurped of sharing their existence, we cry, "Ashes to ashes."
Veiled are our downcast eyes to hide the flow on our lashes.
Windswept will be storms of drenching rain that will lave
Xenolith slabs of stone with chiseled names upon each grave.
Yearning that loved ones might return to us when sunlight's
Zenith reaches its peak, the pinnacle point of heavenly heights.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

One Avatar
December 16, 2023 at 11:01 AM
A deep and emotive take on the contest.. Congratulations on your placement in the contest.
Lane Avatar
December 16, 2023 at 1:37 PM
Thanks for a placement in your challenging contest.
Cunningham Avatar
December 12, 2023 at 6:30 PM
The feeling of loss is without doubt heartbreaking, especially this time of year. When you're sitting down with family and there's empty places at the Christmas table it really hits home. Good luck in the contest Lin. Tom
Lane Avatar
December 12, 2023 at 8:57 PM
It’s such a feeling of emptiness without them. Thank you, Tom.
Brotherton Avatar
December 12, 2023 at 5:06 PM
An amazing job on this abecedarian, Lin. Hugs to you for your loss, my friend.
Lane Avatar
December 12, 2023 at 5:12 PM
Thanks, Jerry. I'm sure we've all lost many loved ones. Thankfully no recent ones for me. This poem is just about feeling the loss of our loved ones, especially this time of year.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace