Get Your Premium Membership

The Hermit

The Hermit Part 1 Beyond Two Sullen Hill, not too far away, Lives a solitary man, bitter, old and grey. Known as the Hermit with heart of cold, His life of unpleasantness is often told. Many believe you would turn to stone, If you caught his stare whilst on your own. Tetchy and crabby for he knows no fun, Stays in the dark, hidden from the sun. In a ramshackle barn house, he resides, Living on his own, to know one he confides. Children believe stories of a Goblin myth, Slaying victims at dusk, with a Neolith. There must be more to this eremite man, Whose body is frail and eyes are wan. Believed to be Ninety and eight years more, Was there a time when his heart was pure? The Hermit Part 2 Good morning Sir, how are you this day? Tell me of your life, and why you live this way. “I do not welcome strangers, or any one at all, But, my time is getting near, I await the call. Hitler took my home in early fourty-one The house he destroyed, taking wife and son. My dearest was 23 and young boy only two, So, left a broken city, what else could I do? I took a vow of silence and turned to God, Became a recluse and viewed as very odd. My life may seem morose and deeply sad, Thought of as a grouch and slightly mad. In truth, I must accept the world I see, I asked nothing of life, it asked nothing of me. Thank you for listening to my sad lament, Grateful for your kindness and the time we spent” Just a few days later the Hermit was gone, Never had the chance to be someone. Up on Two Sullen Hill, a stone of Granite cold, To the Hermit, a posthumous, Heart of Gold.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2017




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

Date: 5/19/2019 3:31:00 AM
I am glad you wrote a blog mentioning this your first post on poetry soup. I enjoyed the tale, the flow, the rhyme and the message. Especially liked the line “I asked nothing of life, it asked nothing of me”. A gentle reminder to love one another. Thank you :)
Login to Reply
Shaw Avatar
Kevin Shaw
Date: 5/19/2019 4:30:00 AM
Thank You kindly PS, regards Kevin x
Date: 5/17/2019 10:38:00 PM
Thanks for directing me here - a rewarding sojourn!
Login to Reply
Date: 5/17/2019 10:36:00 PM
Yeah, enjoyed this thoroughly, Kevin ... I am also fond of this type of poetic presentation, especially in a similar "epic" sort of frame, (have written a number myself, though few people take the time to read them) ... I even have some in two and three parts that qualify more as sort stories and novellas, but have posted on my poetry pages. Not many of late, after realizing folks don't take the time with them, but I'm edging towards a book, and they will provide inspiration. Superb write!! :-)
Login to Reply
Shaw Avatar
Kevin Shaw
Date: 5/19/2019 2:30:00 AM
Hi Gregory, thanks for reading and the kind words. I agree with you the longer poems tend to get overlooked and unread, I even have a poem in my PS collection entitled "no one reads the long ones" kind regards, Kevin
Date: 3/4/2019 8:13:00 PM
Such a great poem, well written, thoughtful and indulging. The Hermit is a work of art, thanks for sharing. Cheers. kev
Login to Reply
Shaw Avatar
Kevin Shaw
Date: 3/5/2019 1:39:00 PM
Thanks for your kind words, Kevin. The Hermit was my first poem on Poetry Soup and is one of my favourites, kind regards, Kevin
Date: 5/21/2017 4:47:00 PM
Very sad story, Kevin.. you wrote it well.
Login to Reply
Shaw Avatar
Kevin Shaw
Date: 5/21/2017 4:55:00 PM
Thank you Becca, the moral of the story is never judge a book by its cover, there is so much more going on inside, and if you don't look you won't find. Many thanks, Kevin
Date: 5/15/2017 6:57:00 PM
Wonderful! Welcome, welcome to poetrysoup.
Login to Reply
Shaw Avatar
Kevin Shaw
Date: 5/16/2017 3:31:00 PM
Thank you so much

Book: Radiant Verses: A Journey Through Inspiring Poetry