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There Was Nobody

There was nobody who could come and weep at his graveside. So we invited the misty mountain, the gusting moorland And meandering little river where he had sat down and fished; But, they were all previously engaged. still, we went anyway. Someone had to lower the coffin...and songs refuse to sing If there is nobody to listen.

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Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 7/30/2025 3:00:00 AM

returning to congratulate you, John, for your POTD designation for this eloquent and poignant poem

Unseeking Seeker

Date: 7/30/2025 2:57:00 AM

A leaf fell, no one noticed but God’s heart felt the tremor. Enjoyed your poem, John. Warmest congratulations on POTD.

Karen Jones

Date: 7/30/2025 2:30:00 AM

So somber yet eloquently beautiful! Congratulations on potd!

Anne Winter

Date: 7/30/2025 2:23:00 AM

How poetry can make sadness beautiful, wow, this poem left me breathless. Congratulations on POTD! Enjoy your special day

Beryl Edmonds

Date: 7/30/2025 2:11:00 AM

It’s a sad way to end one’s days, no one to cry or to say goodbye. Congratulations on receiving poem of the day John… Beryl

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 7/30/2025 2:08:00 AM

- More and more people are dying "alone" and leaving the world in solitude today ... back in time "everyone" showed up for a final goodbye ... to show respect - A sad world we live in, John - Congratulations on your p.o.t.d. :) - hugs

Jan Allison

Date: 7/30/2025 1:54:00 AM

sad on so many levels John. The stark imagery of the misty mountain and gusting moorland really hit home hard. many congrats on POTD! hugs Jan xx

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 7/29/2025 10:47:00 AM

You’ve captured the sadness, John! Nobody could come, and we wonder if he was loved, or the last or far away…love the enigma. The next couple of lines hint at his love, his wanderings. Someone was therw after all, but only tolower his coffin with no songs, after all, really there was no one to listen. A fave!

Valsa George

Date: 7/28/2025 9:03:00 PM

Some live unnoticed and depart unwept. It's sad that no body is there to acknowledge one's existence. The world is too busy for any act of compassion or courtesy! Your lines hit hard on me. Very poignant, dear John.

John Fleming
Date: 7/29/2025 1:27:00 AM

Thank you, Valsa. Yes, it is sad...but I suppose it happens every hour of the day. Many thanks! :) john

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 7/28/2025 5:02:00 PM

deep and compassionate words about grief and being disconnected. I felt a tad sad after I finished. Thanks for writing words that bring about emotion. have a pleasant evening, Sara

John Fleming
Date: 7/29/2025 1:25:00 AM

It is a sad poem.The man had no wife, no children, no real friends...his remaining relatives did not care in the least way about him; nor, did it seem, did anything else. A couple of people frm the village went to help with his burial...but nobody wept over him...or even shed a single tear. Thanks for the comments, Sara. :) john

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 7/28/2025 1:40:00 PM

Incredible. My fave of the day!

John Fleming
Date: 7/28/2025 3:29:00 PM

Thank you, Andrea. Praise from you - is high praise indeed! Always appreciated. :) john

Millard Lowe

Date: 7/28/2025 8:36:00 AM

PROFOUND, John. Such a deep allegorical message, well canvased. It took me back to my " AT THIS WAKE, NONE KEEP A VIGIL, a poem I've reposted twice. When you get a chance, I would appreciate your feedback on it. One, my fellow poet. Peace and Love.

John Fleming
Date: 7/28/2025 3:27:00 PM

Thanks, Millard! And I will check out your poem right now. :) john

Sotto Poet

Date: 7/28/2025 7:44:00 AM

John, your poem, which tackles loneliness and loss as well as the lack of connectivity during times of grief, is incredibly poignant and profound. It considers the premise that grieving is often a solo event and that nature, which can serve as a source of comfort, will not take the place of loved ones in times of death.

John Fleming
Date: 7/28/2025 3:26:00 PM

Thank you for your interpretation of the poem, S.P ...you are always going to be appreciated and most welcome here. :) john

Tom Woody

Date: 7/28/2025 6:03:00 AM

Such a sad word picture you've drawn John. I once wrote a short story about a North Korean defector who died of a heart attack shortly after crossing over. No one knew who he was so they buried him in a lonely field. Gosh, even nature rejected your guy. Rough stuff

John Fleming
Date: 7/28/2025 6:16:00 AM

Hi tom. Yes indeed...it is rather sad. No prizes for guessing I am still reading a lot of Chinese poetry. One day, hopefully, I will write just one poem, maybe, that will 'cut the mustard' as far as writing Chinese poetry goes. Lol. :) john P.s 'Hopefully'