Tears

Why weep so easily in old age? Vulnerable to memory that thins No substance, A sparse waterfall like draped silk on bony shoulders We need reminding about what to celebrate what is safe what has vanished Thoughts, unmoored by time, meander like smoke from a mosquito coil toxic trailings wafting scent death waiting Mind puzzles that have no solution No connective tissue to certainty Constrained by feeling soiled in one's own skin Dulled by the familiarity of waste Long lasting space debris between two ears of grey reasoning, unable to tell what's coming next The beautiful agony of labored movement that can't stop fighting the current To savour bits of light, forever closing in This feeling of entering history in the narrow arc of night Mortality swirls on the horizon, changes all calculations, As tears of glass bead on white plaster skin. Poem composed: March 2020 (revised: March 27, 2021)

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

Duke Beaufort

Date: 3/29/2024 9:13:00 AM

Brian, if you are referring to the decline of a soul in old age, that is certainly sad and cause for tears of frustration. There is a lot to think about here. I imagine, we all have a lot of unanswered questions to deal with and I can think about this poem on that level as well. Thanks for getting me thinking today!

Brian Sambourne
Date: 3/29/2024 10:46:00 AM

Hello Duke, My first posting, once again, was a glance back to long term care residents in wheel chairs. So many of the elderly cried without external prompting. Some continued to fight aging's anvil. End of life reflection can yield tears only sourced to that individual's life experiences. With much appreciation for your visits. Brian

Harry Horsman

Date: 8/22/2021 9:06:00 PM

LOve reading respected poets first post, and wow, this is a gem, Once retired, i helped out in a kitchen of a care home, here in Perth Western Aus, so can relate truly to your poetry...When time give my poem 'voice in the wilderness' a read, all from my experience of being there.

Brian Sambourne
Date: 8/22/2021 9:24:00 PM

Hello Harry, Hope that you are well looked after down under. In 2002, I stayed in Sydney for 2 glorious weeks. Local fires, though, kept me grounded in the city, but I had a glorious time, nevertheless. I will give your poems a read. Thank you for your kind remarks on my first posting. All the best, Brian

Harry Horsman
Date: 8/22/2021 9:09:00 PM

sorry Brian 'A voice in the wilderness'

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 6/23/2021 6:50:00 AM

What a stellar first poem. What a unique way to express this stage of life. It should make me feel disturbed but it somehow feels triumphant.

Brian Sambourne
Date: 6/23/2021 8:41:00 AM

Hello Richard, Thank you for reading my work. Over the years, I have visited many nursing homes as we lost family + friends to decline. My visits were to comfort but visions of what might be in store for me were ever present. Take care of yourself. Brian

John Hamilton

Date: 1/5/2021 6:54:00 PM

Beautiful in it's sadness , congrats Brian on a nice win!

Brian Sambourne
Date: 1/5/2021 9:11:00 PM

Thank you, John, for sponsoring the contest. Best wishes, Brian

Sara Kendrick

Date: 1/5/2021 4:26:00 AM

Very descriptive and emotive. I enjoyed reading your work. Thanks for all the visits to my page. Sara

Brian Sambourne
Date: 1/5/2021 7:31:00 AM

Hi Sara Thank you for reading my submissions. I appreciate your visit to my poems + kind comments. Best wishes, Brian

Paul Callus

Date: 9/5/2020 1:50:00 AM

This is metaphorically striking, Brian; words coming from years of experience, undoubtedly! Regards // paul

Brian Sambourne
Date: 9/5/2020 5:49:00 AM

Hello Paul Thank you for your message. Yes I have had much experience looking after strong souls time levelled, robbed of vigor. Life's cut to us all sadly. Be well. Brian

Kai Michael Neumann

Date: 5/25/2020 3:43:00 AM

Hi Brian, congratulations on your win in my contest. Kind wishes, Kai

Brian Sambourne
Date: 5/27/2020 2:11:00 PM

Hi Kai Thanks very much for your thoughtful congratulations + for sponsoring the contest. Best wishes, Brian

Aditi Mishra

Date: 5/24/2020 6:34:00 AM

This is so heartfelt Brian, emotions flowing through your words. Congratulations on your win :)

Brian Sambourne
Date: 5/27/2020 2:15:00 PM

Hello Aditi My appreciation for your positive response. Unfortunately tears in the elderly seem to flow more readily as folks reflect on life lived and lost. Be well. Brian

Charles Barry

Date: 4/10/2020 3:11:00 PM

marvellous similes ! I don't know how old you are Brian but I am in my 50s and 'two ears of grey reasoning' sounds sad but true...'white plaster skin' also sounds apt especially now that I hand sanitise every day!

Brian Sambourne
Date: 4/10/2020 9:56:00 PM

Thank you Charles for your encouraging comments. . I am in my 60's. My aim is to find an arresting image, and expand it through metaphor and simile. Be well. Sincerely Brian