Joseph P. DiMino Poet Free verse

Love

Long retired now; but the 
clock yet plays a paramount
roll, when it comes to daily
activities -- still not my 
own boss: Doctor's have
schedules, fiber intake for
out-go, often unpredictable;
sign on my toilet door, "Soon
to be occupied!"

Drops of days
have become gushes, rushes
toward an unknown horizon;
the sun now a flicker
like those old black and white
cinema I saw in the theater
as a youth, till the bulb went out,
and the boos and stomping
began...doubt that I would 
notice most loud clamor anyway --
all my senses a lot duller

except an increasing tremor of
fear I hide -- 

climbed a balcony this morning,
a short one -- 
the old Juliet in a sun-chair,
doing her crossword, fondly
looked up: the smile was distant
but familiar~ her words soothing
and reassuring: "what's a 
4 letter word for 60 years, in
sickness and in health loyally
shared?"

♡Like0

Share 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

Anne-Lise Andresen February 20, 2025 at 7:30 AM - I'm not that good at crosswords ... L O V E - A lovely poem, Joe :) - The older you get... time goes by a lot faster - hugs Anne-Lise Andresen February 20, 2025 at 8:00 AM :))) Joseph P. DiMino February 20, 2025 at 7:48 AM Ain't that the truth! In a way it is good~ takes me three days to do what I use to do in one:) Thank you, Anne.

Ink Empress February 20, 2025 at 3:40 AM Dear Joe, this is one of those poems that left me speechless and in awe of how youv written this, the depth of what youv expressed here, i truly can feel and it really hit me strong as i read “ distant but familiar~ ” and the nostalgia that emanates from these lines is truly moving “ the sun now a flicker like those old black and white cinema I saw in the theater as a youth,” an impeccable and soulful poem! Pleasure reading this. Sending you light always Joseph P. DiMino February 20, 2025 at 7:55 AM Thank you for taking time to get into the many nuance of this work. Though the poem has an easy flow, its roots go far deeper than any mere surface experience of life. Precious to me that you took time to see and highlight such essence. Have a great writing day my friend!

Andrea Dietrich February 19, 2025 at 1:07 PM VERY nice, Joe. gotta fave this one. Joseph P. DiMino February 20, 2025 at 7:56 AM You made my day, Andrea! Thank you.

Victor Buhagiar February 19, 2025 at 11:10 AM Sad memories linger, especially on one's love. And as we grow old we appreciate more. Joseph P. DiMino February 20, 2025 at 7:58 AM Absence makes the heart grow fonder. We grow wise too late and old too soon. I hear you, Victor. If I do get another chance at earth life, I hope to bring these lessons back with me. Lot I regret.

Oliver Mckeithan February 19, 2025 at 8:16 AM Well said Joe. Time does not stop for us that's for sure. Joseph P. DiMino February 20, 2025 at 8:02 AM If I could put Time in a bottle, as the song goes. At least, slow it down would work for most of us. Live each day as though it were the last...wise words, having greater implication in my life as I age more rapidly.

Kim Rodrigues February 19, 2025 at 6:00 AM Enjoyed this write, as I likewise enjoy the right to be this old. Yes, the clock still plays a roll as we unroll the paper in the powder room…lol. Love yhe Juliet reference…so sweet! Joseph P. DiMino February 20, 2025 at 8:05 AM I've spent a lot of time, in senior centers, and After Care Convalescent Centers for the elderly (I am one now, thank God, yet independent!) -- I digress: Funny how, as old folks, our lives revolve around regulating bowl movements.