Valsa George Poet Free verse

When I Died

"Life denies everything to some. Though they live and die with no dignity, they'll be crowned thereafter"
.......by the poet


I lived poor and died poor.
No obituary written
Nowhere a black flag fluttered
No one grieved
No bells tolled
No prayers recited,
To still my departed soul!


My body was wheeled in a hearse
With a few following 
With hesitant steps
More as a custom than a gesture true


The open gates of the walled cemetery
Allowed a glimpse of the newly dug grave
In a remote corner it stood
Close to an overgrown hedge
Among many a mound
That bore no name on it


Oh, the indigent and the lonely
Are destined to huddle together
In death under the sod
With their identities merged
Into a single clan!


My body when swiftly lowered to the pit
And as everyone left to join the rage of life,
I pondered, how on this Earth
The distinctions of rank
Extend down unto dust
And follow one like a faithful mongrel


~ Placed First ~


Feb. 22.2022
F Form-Free Verse- New- Poetry Contest
Sponsor Constance La France
Topic- Death

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Carol Mitra March 4, 2022 at 10:27 PM No place for poor souls.....So beautifully the poem sounded.....much love and God Bless :)

Connie Marcum Wong February 25, 2022 at 11:30 PM How sad that even in death one is put into an undeserving class. You have expressed the sorrow and injustice well Valsa. Congratulations on your deserving First Place win. Blessings xxoo Valsa George February 26, 2022 at 1:06 AM Thanks a lot Connie for your congratulations ! I feel very thankful to all of you who responded to this poem of mine

Constance La France February 25, 2022 at 2:38 PM Valsa, congratulations on your First Place win in my Free Verse contest with your wonderfully penned poem and I love your created quote also ~ Constance Valsa George February 26, 2022 at 12:51 AM I must specially thank you Constance for choosing this poem for a win ! In fact this is one of my favorite poems as I have written this with much feeling ! My heart often pains to see the disparity in the world. The trials of life follow some people from the cradle to the grave. They never enjoy even a happy interlude.

Caren Krutsinger February 24, 2022 at 6:02 AM "Oh, the indigent and the lonely Are destined to huddle together In death under the sod With their identities merged Into a single clan!" WOW! i expect to see this one race to the top of the winner's circle. Valsa George February 26, 2022 at 1:04 AM Your wish is being fulfilled ! Thanks a lot Caren for your blessings !

Bj Legros Kelley February 23, 2022 at 1:17 AM I think some buried in the greatest and most elaborate graves would very possibly trade places with the poor in the unmarked grave once this earthly life is over. I think of the Bible story of Lazarus and the rich man. Ashes to ashes and dust to dust, but the spirit lives on forever, but to reward or condemnation, a sobering truth. I visited a cemetery, poor and unkept with long unmarked graves, for many, their souls now rejoice in heaven. Thank you for writing this heart touching poem Valsa. <3 Valsa George February 26, 2022 at 1:03 AM "Their souls rejoice in Heaven". This is what I too believe, BJ. Love your detailed response to my poem ! You have honored me by honoring my poem.... the one I consider as a favorite of my writes. Also could gauge the depth of your compassionate heart ! Thanks a lot !<3 <3

Rico Leffanta February 22, 2022 at 10:26 AM I always wondered how a culture could develop an "Untouchable" class, but must admit riding first class was always preferable to third class! Aloha! Valsa George February 26, 2022 at 12:55 AM Untouchability was a ridiculous concept, our country had in some parts. As a citizen, I feel ashamed of it ! Thanks a lot Rico. There is much comfort traveling in first class, but think of those who do not have any money to travel even in third class

Vijay Pandit February 22, 2022 at 4:59 AM Some live and die alone--not by choice but by their misfortune and your poem speaks eloquently of their plight and inequities of life! Valsa George February 22, 2022 at 6:20 AM The inequities of life are so distressing ! While some are born with silver spoons in their mouth, some starve even for a square meal a day ! Thanks a lot Vijay !

Victor Buhagiar February 22, 2022 at 2:57 AM Dust we were, dust we will become., even the the great emperors became dust. Valsa George February 22, 2022 at 4:00 AM Exactly ! Dust unto Dust ! Thanks a lot Victor !

Jennifer Proxenos February 21, 2022 at 9:32 PM Valsa, this ingenious poetry has such definite Finality, death, which sooner or later happens to us all when we are called by our Maker. Well penned my friend.Hugs and blessings.Jennifer. Valsa George February 22, 2022 at 4:03 AM Death is the finality of life here. But there is a beautiful life awaiting us. So death shouldn't be abhorred. When the call comes, we have to oblige ! Thank you dear friend Jennifer ! Love and hugs !

Sotto Poet February 21, 2022 at 7:43 PM Valsa, you outdid yourself by writing a touching poem. I felt like I wanted to cry from the first to the last verse. Your metaphors are beautiful, and your wording is flawless, dear friend. I wish you a long, healthy, and peaceful life. Best wishes for a successful contest. Valsa George February 21, 2022 at 8:22 PM Thanks a lot for your genuine feelings of love and empathy. Some lives always touch me. In life and death, they are equally ignored. I feel that Heaven is the place reserved for such . Once again thanks for your great appreciation my friend .