Victor Buhagiar Poet Free verse

The Poison Ivy

Silence………A solemn hush
   except  
      for 
         insects
               running
amongst the jade green grass
and the large invasive vines.

Large cypress trees, 
       stately and tall,
throw shadows around me
as I wend my way
along the lonely lanes
of moss-covered, musty-smelling tombs
careful not to touch the poison ivy
or admire the wisteria vines.
 
People do visit here,
for look, bunches of flowers
adorn the place,
emitting scents to try and nullify
the staleness of the resting place.
 
Headstones obliterated by the wind,
makes me wonder who lies beneath.
Was she beautiful and tall? 
      Ugly and short?
What does it matter now?
For all I care she could have been
      beautiful and short.

But some things do matter
in our personal short earthly time.
All that matters is
what we do with our life.
Death holds no sting, really.
   But 
     don’t 
        touch 
            the poison ivy.

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Evelyn Judy Buehler February 23, 2026 at 4:29 PM Victor, this is an awesome, well crafted poem, and full of meaning. It's in my faves.

sara Etgen-Baker February 21, 2026 at 5:39 PM the format is creative.....a thought provking poem indeed. thanks for sharing

Jan Allison February 21, 2026 at 1:59 PM excellent ink Victor, such wisdom in your final stanza. I took a break from soup , am back but its a shame issues dont get dealt with especially when the 'report' button wasnt working for months. take care my friend:-) hugs jan xx

Sara Kendrick February 18, 2026 at 8:36 AM I enjoyed reading this one, Victor. Yes, I definitely do not need to touch the poison ivy because I have had a bad allergic reaction. Sara K

Kim Rodrigues February 18, 2026 at 5:34 AM Fantastic write! One that makes us stop and ponder. Hugs, my friend! Fave

Heidi Sands February 17, 2026 at 9:38 AM Victor, excellent descriptions. Powerful poem and thought provoking. What we do with our lives stands out. Well written! :)

Paige Hind February 17, 2026 at 9:36 AM interesting- there's always a boundary, nice work, Victor

Paula Goldsmith February 17, 2026 at 7:24 AM WOW!!! What a wonderful write you have here. Love It... What a powerful ending. Have a lovely day writing away............

Joseph May February 17, 2026 at 6:25 AM The sting lies elsewhere, Well penned

John Lawless February 17, 2026 at 5:48 AM I shall dare to touch this and reach for the FAVE button....this requires multiple readings, sighs, and deep breaths...masterfully done Victor.

Valsa George February 17, 2026 at 5:39 AM Dear Victor, you have a way of describing nature, the tall trees casting shadows and insects running over them, the poison ivy climbing over, the moss growing on the tombs and the silence overshadowing the place...a graphic description of the cemetery. Great penning.

Tom Cunningham February 17, 2026 at 5:07 AM Dark and foreboding verse Victor, all that matters is what we do with our lives, wisdom in your words. Tom Tom Cunningham February 17, 2026 at 2:16 PM PS, congratulations Victor. Your poem is top of the best poems list.

Ghairo Daniels February 17, 2026 at 3:25 AM Excellent introspective Poem, Vics. I love it. And the way you’ve done the format is innovative. I also like walking in cemeteries, & reading the headstones. I used to live near one, that I had to walk through to get home, but no longer do. I enjoyed the way you’ve woven nature in, and yes, cypress trees are beautiful. I understand there are many in Malta. ThkU for sharing. Hav a beautiful day, Sir Poet.

Yann Rolland February 17, 2026 at 2:02 AM deep poetry beautiful and creative, such a pleasure reading, thanks