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It's O K

I thought him attractive; he was tall, blonde, and blue.
He was eighteen years old, and his schooling was through.

We spoke of the future, he said soon he would die.
Sadly shaken by the thought, I began to cry.

He said, "Life is good. I enjoy every day.
My life is about over. Don't worry. It's O.K."

Decades have passed, yet he was remembered today.
At some point, I'll be dieing. Don't worry. It's O.K.

deathrhyme

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Gary Radice

February 6, 2025 at 2:58 AM

By dying young he has stayed young in your memory where he still shines today. Cheers - Gary

Hilda Greenhough

February 6, 2025 at 6:16 AM

I wish he had grown old. He had so much to give the world. Thank you for your comment.

Michael Tor

November 10, 2024 at 1:53 AM

It is inevitable unless the rapture finds us but as hard as if affects us, It is OK. Heartfelt piece Hilda...

Hilda Greenhough

November 10, 2024 at 7:07 AM

Thank you. I hope he is remembered.

David Crandall

August 25, 2024 at 7:54 PM

Sad and poignant, but yes, to piggy-back on the comment below, acceptance must give peace.

Hilda Greenhough

August 27, 2024 at 10:36 PM

Thank you for your comment.

Valsa George

August 20, 2024 at 8:55 PM

Death makes us sad especially when it happens at a young age. This poem has sown the seeds of pain in me. It is so touching. But we have to compromise with the reality. The ending is so great. Acceptance relieves the pain of death. A beautiful poem, Hilda.

Hilda Greenhough

August 20, 2024 at 10:04 PM

Thank you. Yes, he was a great teacher. And even though his parents are also probably dead by now, I still remember him.

Richard Lamoureux

August 17, 2024 at 3:58 AM

Thought provoking. Is soon 18 or 109 years? I the scheme of things, both are a short period of time. We are but breath away from eternity. Yes it is “OK”

Hilda Greenhough

August 17, 2024 at 6:49 AM

I see you have the same idea of old age as I do. Some are old at 18, others live past 90. Thank you for reading and commenting.

Kim Rodrigues

August 16, 2024 at 11:31 AM

Poignant, yes death is inevitable, it is good if we can make peace with it. God bless!

Hilda Greenhough

August 16, 2024 at 12:17 PM

Thank you.

Panagiota Romios

August 15, 2024 at 10:49 PM

A poem.that touched this soul! I have seen the very young die.starting at age six months, and up. To meet a grateful person is a true blessing. The dead are with God. I don’t make saints of the dead! Better to respect and to honor those who still can hear us and we can add to their lives! A good attitude is for all of us te recall, WE ONLY HAVE 24 hours each day to live! We do not know if we will have a tomorrow! This is it! TY, Hugs, Pangie

Hilda Greenhough

August 16, 2024 at 12:16 PM

Thank you for your comment. Life is precious.

Paula Goldsmith

August 14, 2024 at 1:17 PM

A wonderful yet sad write. Each one only has so long to live. Many, many, many more years for you to write. Have a wonderful day writing away...................

Hilda Greenhough

August 14, 2024 at 2:05 PM

Thank you, Paula. Writing keeps the brain young.

Daniel Henry Rodgers

August 13, 2024 at 6:46 AM

Oh My Gosh, Hilda, Your poem drew me in and touched my emotions at many levels. I love the ending that life is to be lived and one day we will die and it is OK! - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Hilda Greenhough

August 13, 2024 at 8:07 AM

I am honored that you liked my poem. Thank you for visiting. Enjoy the day.

Victor Buhagiar

August 13, 2024 at 2:11 AM

Death comes to all of us and we know neither the time nor the when. Last night a three-year-old boy drowned as he jumped in a pool. A moment of parent's distraction. My sister died aged 14 and that was years ago. I'm 84 and feel half-dead. Pity when the young die early.

Hilda Greenhough

August 13, 2024 at 5:01 AM

I hope you are well. I'm sorry for the deaths of your loved ones, even if it was years ago. Thank you for stopping by.

Ink Empress

August 12, 2024 at 11:55 AM

What a poignant write this is, so touching and so sad at such a young age he had to accept that he would soon die and to embrace every moment! This really moved me, and i thought of notebook. The movie too. Made me cry. Loved reading this one dear hilda altho sad. Sending you light always

Hilda Greenhough

August 12, 2024 at 12:47 PM

Thank you.i had felt it unfair to him. He took it in stride.

Joseph P. DiMino

August 12, 2024 at 10:31 AM

Yep, "only the good die young" -- so they say. If I have anything to say about, Grim Reaper takes me down punching back hard if I am able (It seems he seldom fights fair though) -- my combative nature.

Hilda Greenhough

August 12, 2024 at 10:45 AM

I like your philosophy. Unfortunately, the eighteen year old had a bad heart. He appeared to be a good person, but he said that one thing bothered him was that he was so tired. If his heart had been fine and he had the energy, he may have also been combative.