The Vigil

The Vigil   (Octodil)


Late through the night
A flame burns oil.
He sits with weary eyes
In vigil by the bed.
She lies supine; soft is her breath,
Peaceful, serene her pallid face.
He sleeps; she breathes no more.
Oil-starved the flame goes out.

deathverse

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Julia Ward

February 16, 2015 at 2:42 AM

"Oil-starved" is a particularly beautiful phrase. Alicia, xxx

Paul Callus

February 16, 2015 at 3:46 PM

This is your third most lovely visit today, Alicia....I like and appreciate! hugs // paul

Debbie Guzzi

February 12, 2015 at 7:00 PM

Hard to stop thinking of the end- as we age it gets closer & closer, too bad I couldn't come see Malta! Light & Love

Paul Callus

February 13, 2015 at 8:52 AM

...Malta still awaits you:)

Paul Callus

February 13, 2015 at 8:50 AM

You are right, Debbie; I know the feeling!! Keeping myself always on the go helps to distract the mind from such mental creepy crawlies:) All the best. // paul

Verlena S. Walker

February 7, 2015 at 2:48 PM

How mind-setted this is Paul. I've enjoyed reading this. Verlena

Paul Callus

February 7, 2015 at 3:59 PM

Thank you Verlena; I always give weight to your comments! All the best. // paul

M. L. Kiser

February 5, 2015 at 2:38 PM

How true...beautifully worded.

Paul Callus

February 5, 2015 at 3:00 PM

Glad you enjoyed, ML. Thank you! All the best. // paul

Dr. Vandana Sharma

February 4, 2015 at 10:52 PM

The loss of a loved one is so painful..............

Paul Callus

February 5, 2015 at 1:57 AM

Hi Vandana! Thank you for stopping by. All the best. // paul

Jack Horne

February 3, 2015 at 3:21 PM

sad but very beautiful, my friend. Had a little snow here - although, it melted as soon as it hit the ground.

Paul Callus

February 3, 2015 at 3:33 PM

Glad you enjoyed it Jack. I hear you're getting it cold over there! Take care my friend. // paul

Monterey Sirak

February 3, 2015 at 7:30 AM

Stunning! So beautiful that the light in his life goes out when she leaves, almost as if she blew the candle out with her last breath.

Paul Callus

February 3, 2015 at 9:08 AM

I love your comments, Monterey! You read and understand my poem well. Thank you! All the best. // paul

Sara Kendrick

February 2, 2015 at 12:33 PM

I like the emotive feel to this one.. I feel several sets of emotions from this one..I can feel the love of this care giver and the pain..Thanks for the visit to my page..Sara

Paul Callus

February 2, 2015 at 5:47 PM

Thank you for the insightful comments, Sara. Stopping by your posts is always a pleasure:) Take care. // paul

Debbie Guzzi

February 1, 2015 at 4:50 PM

A part of the found joy of writing in forms is finding just the right vehicle for your message and you have found it ;) Light & Love

Paul Callus

February 2, 2015 at 4:56 PM

You are right, Debbie. Some forms have the power to inspire; not all can do that; this Octodil suits my muse perfectly. All the best and God bless. // paul

Anne-Lise Andresen

February 1, 2015 at 12:28 PM

- A beautiful end of life - Excellent imaging in your words, Paul - hug // Anne-Lise :)

Paul Callus

February 1, 2015 at 3:59 PM

Hi Anne Lise! Writing about death is not something I usually tackle, but this form allowed me to treat the subject with dignity. Thank you for stopping by with lovely comments. /x/ paul

Nette Onclaud

February 1, 2015 at 12:19 PM

my goodness... this is way out of the ball park, paul...you are giving me a run for the money, lol.. this is languid, impressionistic in style... wow!.. and congrats on your wins; I'm having tech problems on soup and can't stay long.. till soon!..huggs

Paul Callus

February 1, 2015 at 3:55 PM

I'm so very impressed and encouraged by your comments, Nette! So pleased with your reaction to this write. I found this form to be a great tool to work with; entered a write for your contest and wrote this extra one as well. All the best...hugs // paul

Poesy Relish

February 1, 2015 at 11:16 AM

awesome pen Paul... loved the last line... speaks a lot.

Paul Callus

February 1, 2015 at 12:02 PM

Hi Nadiya! Your complimentary remarks are most welcome; that last line ties everything up. All the best. // paul

Gary Bateman

February 1, 2015 at 8:58 AM

A Great Verse write Paul. Quite compelling and most descriptive. And a "7" and FAV from me!! Best Always, Gary

Paul Callus

February 1, 2015 at 12:00 PM

Many thanks to you Gary!! I am pleased that you enjoyed, and I very much appreciate the high rating and the fav!! All the best. // paul

Olive Eloisa Guillermo - Fraser

February 1, 2015 at 8:03 AM

:( i like how you present it light that goes out with the lamp and the death... and so with the husband probable decreasing energy.......... how can I say it... mmmmn 3 different angles but it does presents one specific subject.. :) i like it!!!! :)! --olive eloisa stay Blesed.. :)! hugs and hugs.. :D@

Paul Callus

February 1, 2015 at 11:58 AM

Once again your sharp mind sees all three contrasting points Olive_eloi! Well done and thank you. Hope you had a lovely Sunday! hugs + :):):) paul

The Vigil

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