It's Time To Go

“I’ve nothing left to live for,” he replied when I confronted him on why it was he’d tried to take his life. “That’s not true,” I scolded, “you’ve got children here in town...and just a couple weeks ago I met your lovely wife.” “Yes,” he whimpered, “I’ve got kids...but they don’t come to see me...and just to bring you up to date...Marilyn passed away Back in late October - completely unexpectedly, and I’ve been absolutely lost ever since that day. “But I know where she is, of course - Marilyn’s up in Heaven, expecting me to join her, and the only way I know To get from here to where she’s at’s by doin’ what’s required. I’ve made my will, and left my kids a note…it’s time to go!” I could tell the sweet old guy was wrestling with depression, and took another shot at tryin’ to make him understand That - those who’ve shared a love as strong - and long - as theirs had been...if and when their lives diverge from how they’d had things planned... Even “Death” cannot dissolve the bond the two have made. Even “Death” cannot diminish what it is they’ve known, And I was bent on making him believe - though she was gone...despite his children never came, that he was not alone. I noticed several pictures of his wife were on the walls, offering him the comfort of her presence day to day, And on his bedside table was an album filled with photos and a nearly empty box of tissues next to where it lay. “She isn’t gone forever, sir,” I tried to ease his pain, “I’m sure she sees your every move, and hears your every prayer, And now, among the angels - safe and warm, and free of pain - she knows she’s in your every dream, and knows how much you care.” He peered up from his wheelchair with a look that froze my mind, and calmly said, “You’re right, my boy...I’m sure she’s doing fine... And obviously the means I use to join my wife concerns you...but that decision, I’m afraid, is mine - and only mine! “Together nearly every day for fifty-seven years, even now she governs all I do and how I think! Ya’ share your every thought with someone...share your every hour, then... whether you’re prepared or not...in what seems but a blink, The one you’ve come to understand has melded with your soul...has had for several decades been the greatest love you know - Disappears completely -- it’s a devastating blow...so, trust me when I tell you, son...for me…it’s time to go.” PS: I've now got 4 new Audio-CDs - @ 4 1/2 hours each = (62 diversely varied pieces). They’re listed on EBAY - under - “Mark Stellinga Poetry” - or available by simply contacting me at -- mark@writerofbooks.com -- should those of you who enjoy listening to poems as well as reading them - and particularly those of you that travel - care to be so entertained. (We use safe and simple - PayPal) Cheers, Mark