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What'Ll I Do

What will I do without him who used come to the door and ask me to play with snowballs In the sun? Go out and play with snowballs of my own? No fun! What will I do without him who used to tap at the window and bring me the dark sky Shattered with dawn? Close warm sheltered inside Will I watch the night Go on? No! I'll run to the streets and the highways; I'll shout to the closed-in ears; into the wind that buries the sound of my voice I'll whisper when footsteps come near There's someone living In here! (A nod to Athol Fugard's "People Are Living There")

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Nancy Kaufman

Date: 4/12/2023 7:08:00 AM

this is so well done Elizabeth, especially the ending, "there's some one living in here",

Elizabeth Mccann
Date: 4/12/2023 6:14:00 PM

Kind of you to reply, Nancy. The title was from a play by Athol Fugard in South Africa, about the dire situation of the Bantu people living in the kraal. I borrowed it for a personal angle. Elizabeth

Elizabeth Mccann

Date: 10/27/2022 5:03:00 PM

Exactly, Linda. I'm digging up an old talk I gave, "The Inner Companion," about consulting our inner self for guidance, not just the hype, the popular stance. Elizabeth

Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 10/27/2022 8:38:00 AM

Love it Elizabeth! Let's not forget our ego. It has its value. Whatever is outside, there is always someone in there. :)

Gary Radice

Date: 10/16/2022 6:18:00 AM

Elizabeth, I'm not going to pretend that I understood all that you have written here other than to say that I picked up on themes of loss, loneliness and the search and desire for happiness with a splash of the human condition running through your psychological piece. Whether I am on track or many miles away from your original ideas, I have to say that I found the whole piece intriguing. And a great read. Cheers - Gary

Elizabeth Mccann
Date: 10/17/2022 3:46:00 PM

Thanks, Gary! A great reply! I've had that last line rattling around in my brain since seeing Fugard's play some 40 years ago! Elizabeth

Joe Dimino

Date: 10/15/2022 5:10:00 PM

Wow! Total isolation. Brilliant, moving work. Following a great loss I imagine, a soulmate perhaps. No one sees us fully as we are (living, feeling, throbbing)...except a rare few...and, I like to think that my God also in my case. But we all have different personal beliefs, not to try and force our own on others. Great writing evokes many different interpretations...and maybe all correct. I am generally far out of kilt, different, sort of like the theme of your fine poem. Thank you for sharing.

Elizabeth Mccann
Date: 10/15/2022 6:00:00 PM

You have really shored up my spirits today, Joe! I was feeling definitely ho-hum. Yes, I waited until my 70's to meet a special person. That's too long; health starts to intervene. But I still wouldn't trade it! Thank you. Elizabeth

Elizabeth Mccann

Date: 10/14/2022 4:54:00 PM

Love the "Waddle," Robert. I was surprised by the Ducks, thought it was Beavers, but then I'm originally from the other O, where we did have some of both. Thanks for the cheer-up! Elizabeth

Robert Gorelick

Date: 10/13/2022 6:53:00 PM

That's the spirit, you will survive, by the way. WADDLE I DO--the motto of the Oregon State Ducks! Lol Robert

Gershon Wolf

Date: 10/13/2022 3:21:00 PM

I'm with Evelyn Judy Buehler (below): Intriguing and Captivating... and I'll add poignant! All of my thumbs up, Elizabeth. :) gw

Elizabeth Mccann
Date: 10/13/2022 3:57:00 PM

Aw, gw, you always make me smile! And thanks for the thumbs; though I'm known for being all thumbs, it's never enough! Liz

Jim Slaughter

Date: 10/13/2022 11:06:00 AM

I certainly like the mysterious atmosphere of this piece, Elizabeth. Or should I say...esoteric?

Elizabeth Mccann
Date: 10/13/2022 2:51:00 PM

It's on a need-to-know! Thanks, Jim! Elizabeth

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 10/13/2022 10:14:00 AM

hmm, it sounds like a ghost to me. I've been watching lots of ghost stories lately. Quite intriguing poetry.

Elizabeth Mccann
Date: 10/13/2022 2:50:00 PM

Oh, gosh! He said he was a phantom but I didn't believe him! Elizabeth

Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 10/12/2022 8:52:00 PM

I enjoyed this intriguing and captivating poem, Elizabeth. :)

Elizabeth Mccann
Date: 10/13/2022 2:44:00 AM

Thank you, Evelyn. So kind of you to comment. Elizabeth

Rico Leffanta

Date: 10/12/2022 11:50:00 AM

I remember the song, and can say prepare to welcome him in your dreams! Aloha!

Elizabeth Mccann
Date: 10/12/2022 6:54:00 PM

I'll keep a sleepy eye out! No matter what I say, you're always a step ahead of me! Elizabeth

Sotto Poet

Date: 10/12/2022 7:30:00 AM

Elizabeth, you have written a poem that is really fascinating. It's thought-provoking and beautifully done.

Elizabeth Mccann
Date: 10/12/2022 6:56:00 PM

I'm so glad you liked it, Sotto! You set a high bench mark yourself always! Elizabeth

Elizabeth Mccann

Date: 10/12/2022 2:10:00 AM

It's great to hear from you, Victor. Thank you for the think! Elizabeth

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 10/12/2022 2:06:00 AM

Interesting poem. It urges you to think hard. Well done.