Home » Poems » Allen Beilschmidt Sr. » Life At 102

Life At 102

What's the sense of setting goals when your this old I think to myself with a near worn out brain. Loved ones visit, forced grins on their faces the smell of antiseptic stinking freshly polished hallways- reminders of death. Across the room a nurse attending to my drooling room mate. Smile my visitors say. Why don't you ever smile anymore? Can anyone really be that stupid? Hell- I could leave at any minute and they want me to smile. But, then again, so could they. Twelve year olds are buried in holes smothered with flowers and plaques above them to satisfy the guilt of the living. Where are the absolutes? Where are the guarantees I expected guarantees in this thing we call life. And yesterday seems so far away.

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Demetrios Trifiatis

Date: 4/29/2019 1:30:00 PM

A profound poem! I have met and lived with people more than 100 years old who had a lot of things to smile about: First they had reached that age. Second they had children , grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Third they had lived historic events that other generations would admire. You see there is this oxymoron: We abhor old age but we do whatever we can to reach it and when we reach it we complain for being old. I knew a 103 year old lady she was so much alive! Thank you for visiting

Silent One

Date: 4/29/2019 1:18:00 PM

What is life, but a temporary uncontrollable existence, unless you decide to end it yourself.. your poem is profound and makes one think..excellent..

Allen Beilschmidt Sr.
Date: 4/29/2019 1:24:00 PM

'temporary and uncontrollable existence' I could't agree more.

Panagiota Romios

Date: 4/29/2019 1:01:00 PM

Good one! Indeed, we expect folks in such places to smile? And, too, I think whoever we are, unless dead, we still can find joy in the days left, if we so choose. For some reason, Anne Frank comes to mind. Even the most dire of circumstances, she still felt joy in her life. Amazing. Panagiota

Allen Beilschmidt Sr.
Date: 4/29/2019 1:05:00 PM

Thanks Panagiota, a fine name indeed. Yes I believe that Anne Frank, if you'll excuse the idiom, fits the bill.