. Passing By .

I've seen her there, most every day, rocking on the old front porch
She lives alone, I've often heard....she must get lonely on her perch
She watches the world passing her by...seeing her there,...just makes me sigh...
Sometimes I'm on my way to town, ...sometimes on my way to church
She's called out a word...inviting me in, ....but who has the time...?  I'll just grin...
And wave a little....and then...I'll pretend I hadn't heard....is that so unheard of??
Well!  Good grief....you see....I have things to do...important dates!!
Too much to do that cannot wait!!
If I were to hesitate...even for a minute...walk through her gate
Well...heavens to Betsy!!  I might be late!!...
No...I couldn't stop.....!   But I'll wave and smile....For heaven's sake!!
No time on my hands, to simply fritter away!
So I pass on by..don't miss a step....Don't look back,  feeling no regrets!

It's my day's journey...I really must scurry...I hurry away, not a backwards glance
Perhaps another day...then, we'll see......Perhaps another chance, when I'm free...

But then....oh dear,  how would I know, you see, life passed her by, 
And when it was over....well....."that was that!"
But my ears still ring out...from her calling me "Please come in and sit a spell"....
Well.....I must not dwell...what is past is past...

Yet......I don't understand....what's the matter with people??
You see.....I've been rather unwell.....under the weather....Oh, ...it's a bother!
I'm too sick to go out, ...too sick to walk....but no one will stop to sit and talk
What's the matter with people???   Don't they care??
I called out to a friend...but she went on her way....she passed on by
Like I wasn't there....
          Why doesn't anyone care??????


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Inspired by Paula's word contest "PASS"
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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K. Avatar
October 4, 2010 at 3:08 PM
Wow-- what a moving poem this is, Carrie! How often do we let such opportunities to give a piece of ourselves pass by-- it is totally amazing what a simple gesture for some could do-- for others it means the world already-- chills as I read this honestly! Super congrats on your win :) & thank you for all your inspiring comments, you always make me smile when I read them :)-- hugs,nikko :)
Brown Avatar
October 4, 2010 at 4:43 AM
Congratulations on your win Carrie in Paula Swanson's contest "Pass". Love, Carol
Gorelick Avatar
October 3, 2010 at 7:41 AM
Carrie, your always right up there on top..this was a great idea and congrats on your win. BG
Mehta Avatar
October 3, 2010 at 5:10 AM
Congratulations on this well deserved win in the contest, Carrie
Sweetheart Avatar
October 3, 2010 at 4:48 AM
Congrats Carrie on another big win in the Pass contest.. enjoy this super Sunday..with luv..
Flach Avatar
October 2, 2010 at 10:03 PM
Great write. And I get the not so subtle hint. Kind of a karma is a son-of-a-gun thing going on here (I think). A priviledge and an honor to share this spot with you. Joe
Kapoor Avatar
September 25, 2010 at 4:20 AM
Great write my friend. A very lovely and true. I think it is everywhere in the world people do not have time to wait for anything. You have sketched the story bringing tears in every eye. This is the beauty of a great writer. It should be on the top in the contest. I have placed two different poems on one topic. Fist one is a story and the other one is a gift. Hope you would like it. Love and best wishes always...Ravindra ....Carrie Richards
Devonshire Avatar
September 24, 2010 at 2:37 PM
Dear, your poem brought tears to my eyes. There are so many lonely people who want companionship, even if it is just for a brief time. Hope we never let these people "pass by" again. This will be a winner in the contest for sure! Packed with so much emotion and truth. Love, Carolyn
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