The Valley of Loss

Age bought me to this valley I must walk,
there is no turning back, I have no choice.
All those who went before me now lie still,
unanswered are the sounds of my own voice.

A soft white bed beneath, this valley floor
with every step I take I hear it sing,
a gentle dirge of sorrow to the dead,
no Nightingale, this sound the song of springs.

The winding strands around me are not trees
but tubes and wires that rise to right and left
horizon nothing more than a flatline,
mere confirmation of a soul bereft.

My parents walked this valley, brother too,
and recently good friends though none will cross,
some saw this path approach, some never knew,
the deeper that I go, deeper my loss.

November 14th, 2017

For contest 'Empty your soul with words', sponsored by Broken Wings.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Barden Avatar
December 9, 2017 at 3:51 PM
Very intense but important message, Viv, I enjoyed this very much! Congratulations on your well-deserved win, my friend - blessings!
La France Avatar
November 26, 2017 at 7:29 AM
Viv, such a deep and dark and sorrowful write, well done and congratulations on your win in my contest !
Wigley Avatar
November 26, 2017 at 11:11 AM
Thanks, Constance, nice to be among such a strong crop of entries. Viv x
Davey Avatar
November 25, 2017 at 2:01 PM
The third stanza in this write is amazing my friend, congratulations
Wigley Avatar
November 26, 2017 at 1:51 AM
Thanks Brian, I'm honoured to be included in such a strong crop of entries. Regards, Viv
Daniel Avatar
November 19, 2017 at 6:20 AM
Excellently written, Viv, though it's the sad reality of all our lives, especially as one grows older...
Wigley Avatar
November 26, 2017 at 1:52 AM
Indeed, Jo, my black tie seems to have taken up premanent residence at the front of my wardrobe. Viv x
Dietrich Avatar
November 18, 2017 at 7:29 PM
wow, this is so DEEP and AMAZING, Viv. I don't think anyone else could do the theme of Valley of loss than you have show us with this sad poem.
Wigley Avatar
November 19, 2017 at 1:00 AM
Thanks Andrea, I'll try anfd get back to being more upbeat as soon as poss. Viv x
Vaso Avatar
November 14, 2017 at 7:36 PM
Very deep and emotional, these words sure resonate with me, great poem!
Wigley Avatar
November 15, 2017 at 11:31 PM
Thanks Arthur, it's a theme that will never cease to metamorphosize into something different every time. Regards, Viv
Allison Avatar
November 14, 2017 at 7:42 AM
such emotion in your words Mr Viv I can relate to so much of your poem especially over recent years:-( the final stanza realy hits home hard:-( Good luck in the contest i think Constance will love this melancholy write:-) hugs Jan xx
Wigley Avatar
November 15, 2017 at 11:33 PM
sad to have such a common bond lately, Jan- time is a healer until another death comes along and kicks you in the teeth. Hugs, Viv x
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