Bob Quigley Poet Free verse

Yesterdays People

Their days are very much the same
Like soldiers marching to the drum
The cadence of the ticking clock
Marking time as each day passes

They wrap themselves in memories
Replayed like notes of a well known song
Steps slowed by the weight of years
Their candles growing short

We look at them but do not see
We listen without hearing
They are but shadows in our minds
Close but yet so distant

But if we were to look inside
We would find ourselves
Sharing needs that transgress age
And values that are timeless

They are the you of days gone by
Their life then still in bloom
The taste and thrill of love and life
Now just footprints on their hearts

And as their many seasons grow
And their autumn becomes winter
Who will mourn and say goodbye
When their soul meets its tomorrow

Inspired by volunteering at a nursing home and watching the deterioration of body and mind.

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Harry Horsman January 18, 2012 at 8:39 AM Well Bob i did exactly the same in australia, i took early retirement in new zealand, then decided to move closer to our grandchildren in perth, w.a. but got bored, so decided to work in a retirement home. so to your first poem posted on soup. well it says everything. that needs to be said, the depth of feeling here is paramount, and it comes through to the reader. i really like this. so to my favourites along with yourself. harry Bob Quigley January 18, 2012 at 10:09 AM Bravo to you Harry for giving of your time to bring a little comfort to our elders. If only more would realize the value of a hello are just a smile. Thanks for reading my stuff.

Carol Sunshine Brown January 5, 2012 at 8:01 AM Congrats on your win in the "Afflictions" contest Bob. Love, Carol Bob Quigley January 5, 2012 at 8:25 AM Thanks very much Carol

Fabiyas M V December 29, 2011 at 6:50 AM Congratulations on your fantastic win in the contest,Bob! Bob Quigley December 29, 2011 at 8:12 AM Thank you Fabiyas

Mandy Tams The Golden Girl December 29, 2011 at 4:53 AM Congratulations Bob x Bob Quigley December 29, 2011 at 8:12 AM Thanks Mandy

Bl Devnath December 28, 2011 at 10:14 PM Congratulation on your win in the contest. bl Bob Quigley December 29, 2011 at 8:13 AM Thank you bl

Joyce Johnson December 28, 2011 at 8:17 PM A very tender write Bob and congratulations on a great win. Love, Joyce Bob Quigley December 29, 2011 at 8:13 AM I appreciate that Joyce

Gwendolen Song December 28, 2011 at 6:33 PM Completely in love with the second stanza, Bob! You write as someone who has truly immersed themselves in the environment of a nursing home...I wish it didn't have to be such a dreary place. They were blessed to have you there while you were volunteering. I love elders and finding out what their passions are. Congrats on this very lovely and sentimental write. Love, Gwendolen Bob Quigley December 29, 2011 at 8:15 AM Thanks Gwen. I still volunteer one afternoon a week and thoroughly love the interaction.

Vince Suzadail Jr. October 11, 2011 at 11:57 PM I liked this. As I get older, the more nostalgic I get for those "values that are timeless." Sometimes I wonder if heaven is doing it again. Vince Bob Quigley December 29, 2011 at 8:16 AM An interesting thought Vince. Thanks for stopping by.

Eugene Harvey August 23, 2011 at 5:08 PM Bob, Brilliant!!! Loved this poem. Very well written. It captures the futility of life of people long forgotten marking time till death brings them rest and everlasting peace. Eugene Bob Quigley August 23, 2011 at 11:47 PM Thank you Eugene. Kind words indeed.

Carol Sunshine Brown August 23, 2011 at 2:29 PM Congratulations on your poetry being featured this week Bob. Love, Carol Bob Quigley August 23, 2011 at 11:48 PM Thank you so much Carol

Linda-Marie Sweetheart August 21, 2011 at 11:35 PM Congrats Bob on your featured poem this week on PS.. wonderful to share luv.. Bob Quigley August 22, 2011 at 10:23 AM I feel so honored. It was one of my first efforts inspired by volunteering at a nursing home and seeing the loneliness and the ravages of dementia.

Poet Destroyer A June 10, 2011 at 3:16 PM Bob, welcome to the soup~ nice concept of, yesterday and yes it will never be gone... and as long as we spin life will always march on and bloom.. Enjoyed your poem.