Say It Ain'T So, Joe

They were married for sixty-seven years.
Lovely she still was to him,
though wrinkled of face and hair of pure snow.
Entwined hearts forever held sparkle and glow.
Honestly believing, he was the luckiest man alive.

Just thankful to be by her side,
sharing her life and giving her all that he could.
But fate did loom, bringing unmerciful doom....
she died a long time too soon....
leaving a lonely and broken-hearted man.

To his son, he said, "Say it ain’t so, Joe!
Just say it ain’t so!
She can’t be gone.
She’s been with me so long.
What can I do without her?"

As news spread throughout the town,
many a friend came to call.
He tried to maintain, but three months away,
his heart just couldn’t withstand.....he died that day.
Mourned, his daughter to her brother, amid flowing tears:

"Say it ain’t so, Joe!
Please say it ain’t so!"


CATCH PHRASE: SAY IT AIN'T SO, JOE
Contest Sponsored by:  Deborah Guzzi
Won:  5th Place
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

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

Wegenast Avatar
February 28, 2011 at 2:06 PM
A great story of life long love and heartache, sadly this ending comes to fruition far to often in life and I have personally witnessed also, very well done sad piece.
Loving Iii Avatar
July 17, 2010 at 5:37 PM
i knew this would win something. John Henry Loving III
Brown Avatar
June 21, 2010 at 8:13 AM
Congratulations on your win in Deborah Guzzi's contest "Catch Phrase" Carolyn. Love, Carol
Green Avatar
June 15, 2010 at 4:56 PM
This was really, REALLY good. Sad, but so well written. Congrats on your placement. Getting a 7 and a favorite for this!
Sweetheart Avatar
June 15, 2010 at 9:05 AM
Congrats Carolyn on your winning poem in the Catch Phrase Contest with this wonderful write around your assigned phrase... enjoy a wonderful win ..with luv from the "Sweetheart"
Johnson Avatar
June 13, 2010 at 5:31 PM
Great entry Carolyn. This happens so often that a survivor of a long marriage, dies soon after he has lost his mate. Great love story. Thanks for commenting on my entry for "Nobody Home" contest. Love, Joyce
Keogh Jr. Avatar
June 13, 2010 at 10:13 AM
I give this a high mark as it cries out to be a song lyric, especially a traditional folk melody. Really, read this carefully with that in mind. I'm true on this. Regards, Gerard.
M Avatar
June 6, 2010 at 4:58 PM
Wow. This is a wonderful poem. She was lucky woman to be cared for by a husband who admired and cherished her so greatly, as he was a lucky man to have married the love of his life. I appreciate how the catch phrase is repeated by the daughter after her father's death.
Haick Avatar
June 5, 2010 at 4:45 PM
Wow, Carolyn...the tears I cry this evening is of sadness and joy! This I'm sure is a true story? 'Cause similar occurences have happened to a few older couples I know..God is merciful..that's all I can say..And I wish you good luck in the contest, even though that's not necessary! This is a winner! .Thanks for leaving comments on my poems...God bless. Peace and love, Audrey
Stella Avatar
June 5, 2010 at 5:59 AM
What a great write this should be in a book can see this in tops 5 sadden imagery here too thanks for sharing and for your kindest comment on my poem too keep that pen flowing I still have to do one for this too Id better get stepping
Chaudhry Avatar
June 5, 2010 at 5:46 AM
who knew sadness could be mingled with such beauty!??! very well written!!
Eggins Avatar
June 5, 2010 at 5:19 AM
I just read the poem and the comment below .. im speechless, poignantly sad love Jayne
Richards Avatar
June 4, 2010 at 1:24 PM
Oh, Carolyn, this is so sad...and I read your comment to Andrea, saying this was a true account. I can hear the cry as if I am standing there..."say it ain't so"...brings tears to my eyes. Well done. >>>Love, Carrie
Culverhouse Avatar
June 4, 2010 at 6:48 AM
enjoyed your sad write, the catch phrase fits
Bloomsfield Avatar
June 3, 2010 at 11:30 PM
This is a very sentimental poem,Heartbreaking to read and at the same moment so beautiful!C elene.
K. Avatar
June 3, 2010 at 3:45 PM
I was expecting a different scenario with this catch phrase, but wow, you sure made this into a very emotional piece, Carolyn! Very nicely done! Wish you the best in the contest :)
Guzzi Avatar
June 3, 2010 at 3:30 PM
Now here is some emotion! You go Gal!
Dietrich Avatar
June 3, 2010 at 1:40 PM
YOu did very well, Caroline. Guess what? this was the catch phrase I was hoping to get. My hubbie's name is JOe and I was gonna do a doozie about him. hahaha. Now I gotta think about what to say for 'the natives are getting restless." GEEEEZ. Good luck in this contest. You sure got yours up quickly!! Luv, andra
Johnson Avatar
June 3, 2010 at 9:49 AM
A great one for the contest. Sad but heartfelt. Thank you for your comments on my rondel. Love, Joyce
Devonshire Avatar
June 3, 2010 at 8:23 AM
Oh, Carolyn, this is a sad poem that has so much truth in it. How unbearable it is to lose a lifelong mate. What a great interpretation of your catch phrase! Well done! Love, Carolyn
Belt Avatar
June 3, 2010 at 8:19 AM
WOW Carolyn.....This is a sad bur truly AWESOME write.....Good Luck in the contest.....Larry
Kendrick Avatar
June 2, 2010 at 12:41 PM
Very touching write...Great expressive write of love that deep abiding love of two people that enjoy each other for life...Keep the creative pen flowing..Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my work...Sara
Sweetheart Avatar
June 2, 2010 at 12:28 PM
A very poetic comment Carolyn and so appreciated ... luv your Catch Phrase poem also and good luck in the contest.. now this is competition with a catch..haha.. enjoyed your creative write...luv.. Linda-Marie..
Guzzi Avatar
June 2, 2010 at 12:05 PM
dear GF..really good...yet the last line about the daughter is unclear? to me? we were talking of a wife?...hmmmmm perhaps he died too? if so it could be a wee bit clearer? Light & Love (Also...make it clear if HE is Joe?)
Spence Sr Avatar
June 2, 2010 at 11:25 AM
I like the intermittent rhyming pattern. The story line is also very imaginative. Great job! Joseph
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace