Where the Unloved Go

Where the Unloved Go

On a Sunday afternoon, with skies so blue,
Sweet smell of flowers in the air, what do you do?
Your youth is behind you, your kids are all grown,
Your phone never rings, you just can't stand being alone.
The silence screams so loudly, the clean floors and counters belie,
What once was a busy household, is now just so still you could cry.
The floor in front of the sink is worn from all the dishes
You once washed after meals, the table now only holds your wishes.
Standing at the front door watching the long empty drive,
If only someone would come visit, you might once again feel alive.
Sometimes you pick up the phone, thinking a call you might make,
To talk to a son or a daughter, then just put it back down, and wait.
But the waiting, you know, is pointless, they can't be bothered with you,
Unless they need some money or to come stay a month or two.
You've kept the grandkids after school, but they are now in their teens.
So your services are no longer needed, or at least that's how it seems.
So what does one do with the loneliness when you've paced for hours on end?
You put on your face, grab your purse, and go where you might meet a friend.
You pull up in the parking lot, check your lipstick, hair and nails,
Go around back, 'cause you're a regular on another Sunday afternoon of fails.
The same old familiar faces greet you when you walk in,
We're all in this place together, we have no next of kin.
They're too busy living their lives, they've forgotten they, too, will grow old.
Then they, too, can sit on a barstool, where all the unloved go.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Perna Avatar
February 10, 2020 at 4:24 PM
Excellent Details! I am in exactly the same place, so lonely, no one to talk to, no one to do things with. I appreciate this poem so much as I am at this place in my life too! You can write me anytime, I could use a friend. Lovely writing!
Shealy Avatar
May 25, 2021 at 11:21 AM
I know it's been a minute, but how are you?
Shealy Avatar
February 12, 2020 at 9:41 PM
Thank you for taking the time to read my work and especially for leaving a comment. I am new to this community, and see you have quite a body of work so your critique is welcomed and valued. I look forward to reading your poetry.
Williams Avatar
February 10, 2020 at 3:49 PM
I sympathize with you. Only it gets worse when you are only one to start with. Thanks for sharing.
Shealy Avatar
February 12, 2020 at 9:48 PM
Thank you for taking the time to read my poem, it is my first submission.
Michael Avatar
January 26, 2020 at 4:16 PM
Real....I like how you expressed it...
Shealy Avatar
January 26, 2020 at 4:26 PM
thank you
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace