The Elder

The look of youth has passed my eyes
Come furrowed brow and withered skin
Hair thin, bright eyes gone dim
What will become of me now?

Swaddled in warm linen
Drive the chill from feeble bones
Teas, hot oils and liniments
These aromas fill my home

The shell I wore is no more
With deafened ear and eye so blind
Brittle bones and muscles sore
Prompting life to pass the time

Pace unsteady, twisted spine
These hands of mine will work no more
Fatigued and spent, take to my bed
My youth to find me never more

All so precious to me now
Things cast aside in early hours
What a waste! Relive this taste
A second chapter to devour

Heart now lonely, cold and stalled
House so silent, ever still
Hear the clock~tick tock tick tock
Gaze out from the windowsill

No more visits, no more calls
My wife long gone and buried deep
Now welcome death with open arms
My soul shall seek eternal sleep

agedeathdepressionrhyme

♡Like0

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

Richard Evans

October 6, 2017 at 11:25 PM

Fascinating. The other side of "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night". You captured this crossroad of life well. Thanks for sharing.............peace!

Gayle Rodd

October 6, 2017 at 11:34 PM

Thanks for the visit Richard

Lisa Ricci

March 6, 2017 at 9:48 AM

Your entry is so eloquently expressed and with dignity and grace. I think we can all relate to such words and thoughts as we look on either at others or ourselves. I found this entry well executed in formatting words and presentation. Well done throughout.

Gayle Rodd

March 6, 2017 at 10:40 AM

I worked in an elderly care facility and the sense of the inevitable seemed to permeated the room at times. I appreciate your kind words :)