THE LAST IN LINE*
~~~~~~~~~~~
This poem was inspired by my favorite Ronnie James Dio song/lyrics, “The Last in Line.”
In the fading light of day,
will I find the shadows of my soul
dancing in the twilight,
or will the light reveal my truths,
as I sift through the ashes of my choices?
I pause, pondering
‘am I the architect of my own despair,
or the quiet poet of grace,
each heartbeat, a question,
each breath, a fragile answer?"
I trace the lines of my existence,
wondering if I am the last in line,
or the first to rise.
In silence, I confront myself,
the duality of my being~
the sinner and the saint
the dreamer and the realist
the last in line,
waiting for the truth now unveiled:
I am merely a human,
lost and found,
the last in line,
waiting for the first light
to guide me home.
*Note: I originally posted this poem at Poetry Soup in June 2025, the deleted it. (poetrysoup.com/poem/the_last_in_line_1740132) This is my original poem.
When the Language Merge**
I walked into Bobby Department Store and yelled, “Where are the Jamaicans and Barbadians?” This might sound a little strange to most people; however, it’s that time of year when all the languages and dialects merge, accompanied by the authentic accents from their respective places. Plus, there's always a bit of rudeness as people wait in long lines. Yet, amidst it all, the joy of Christmas still shines through in their voices.
Christmas is that one time of year when you can be happy without needing a reason. I could hear conversations like, “I want to mail this barrel by next week, but I know they won’t get it before next year.” As an outsider eavesdropping on these conversations, I sometimes think, “What is this barrel they are talking about? A barrel of rum? A barrel of Jack Daniel’s? A barrel of monkeys? What barrel?”
Yes, Bubba! That barrel is filled with gifts and food for their families on the Island of Brim. All I’d like to add is that I’m reminded that while New Yorkers say “standing online,” the rest of the English-speaking world says “standing in line.” - Jeffrey Stein Garten.
There is a truth I've come to comprehend,
Life is full of twists and turns,
And outs and ins,
And ups and downs,
And zigs and zags,
And curves and bends,
And though it sometimes seems to follow guides,
Blind fate alone decides how long it lasts
Or where it wends.
Another truth I've learned of late,
One not controlled by Fate or trends,
Is that Time follows a different line,
One that just goes straight…
And never ends.
Anticipation
of seeing you once again
me and sweaty palms
Fido took time watering the large tree
Forced to stand in line at dog park to pee
Fidgeting they can't hold it
Fearing to move they all sit
A pet peeve, with bladder concern; knock-knee
5/1/2024
It feels kind of like someone gave me a drug,
mixed for the purpose of stamping out love.
Slipped like a Mickey when I was away.
Slammed down the hatch and now all I can say
is, "I don't know why I feel nothing at all."
Head like a hammer straight into the wall.
Black coat of tar dripping straight from my heart.
Struggle for breath while still acting the part.
Things that I’ve relished no longer seem fun.
Trapped in a cycle but still on the run.
Live for a purpose without any goals.
Watching it slip away as I get old.
Talks with myself and with all who will hear.
None seem to understand and so I fear,
I'm destined to fall, then perhaps they will learn
I was next in line… and 'twas simply my turn.
We’ve met before, you know my name.
Though in that hour of dark pain a light shone from within.
I recognise you and your smile. You just don’t seem to change and it’s been a while.
We’ve met before, remember me?
You stood and watched me get to my feet.
Then you turned away and said ‘next time’
And now you’re here I guess I’m the next in line.
Just waiting here and thinking
About some things I'd like to do
Where are you pretty lady?
I want to share with you
These things that I am thinking
To see if you would too
Be pleased to do them with me
From A to Z's a clue
Yeps, everything's the answer
Nothing is a no
From at home reading novels
To all the places we would go
Here and there to everywhere
You just come with me
I'll get it all planned out for us
Us, not me, but we
Could cross the seven continents
Sail the seven seas
What do you say, will you come?
I ask you, would you please?
I want to see your smile
And I can be silly
Yet just to see your face light up
I'd go to great degrees
So please let me surprise you
With all the these plans of mine
Every day a different thing
Don't worry we'll be fine
Get ready for adventure
We won't just sit around
I want to take you 'round the world
You're my queen, my crown
was in line of thought
related to what we have bought
in a trap were caught
They are marching in a row around the lake
Witch, bat and ghost with nothing at stake
They laugh and sing and skip along
Singing an October Halloween marching song
Which is witch? An owl asks who thinks he is funny
The moon is glowing like a sun that is sunny
They march and chant and prance along in line.
The bat is fine, and the ghost is mine!
In Line
David J Walker
The line that seems so long
And moves so slow
Both ebb and flow
Awaiting our inevitable return
on that scary carnival ride
In line
One step at a time
In full view
We laugh
And make fun
Of what is to come
Warnings posted
The dangers noted
Predictions made
Of whom is saved and
Who scoffs
at that first long drop
Some dream
Some scream
But all depart
At the appointed time
The line is not
so long
Nor moves so slow
Everyone departs but
But no one will know
When
Or if we will return again
When you rise above the storm
Your enemies will not like it
Thai’s fine; don’t decline your purpose
Tell your enemies to stand in line
They will never stop your shine!
If circumstances knock you off your horse
And your enemies try to change your course
Keep riding, keep pushing on!
Life moves forward in the face of your enemies
When you rise above the storm is the perfect remedy
It should not be a surprise
You were born for a purpose
If circumstances knock you off your horse
And your enemies try to change your course
Keep riding, keep pushing on, keep rising
Mark Frank
Copyright 2022
My friend and I are in line, waiting to pay.
There is only one woman ahead of us.
She should be checked out in seconds.
Except she has a salesperson who wants to keep her there forever.
Do you have a charge card with us? Do you want to open one?
Do you have any letters that needs to be mailed? Do you want this gift wrapped?
Do you have shoes to go with this? Do you have a matching purse?
Do you want to join our Exclusive Shopper’s Club?
It just takes a few minutes. Here is the application form.
You put your name on this line where it says line.
My friend and I glance at each other but dare not speak.
I am finally up to bat.
Do you have a shell to go under this?
Yes!
Do you want a …
No.
Do you …
No.
Do you have pants that.
Yes.
We are in a hurry I tell her.
We have to go.
Just tell me the amount.
If we sign you up for this coupon, after a million points though, you
can get twenty-nine cents off your next…
She looks up and sees my face
and does not continue.
My girlfriend has run away. I know why. She is going to laugh her head off.
on brink did titter
last in line of long liter
became a quitter
poetry contest
with which one were we impressed
up they had been dressed
check on credential
of what was essential
warfare conventional
way was wide and broad
over many miles have trod
trying to find God
about Trump heard
he is totally absurd
as well as a nerd
to read did invite
you to read poems that I write
with all my heart and might
one more live will leave
day by day in God believe
soul soon did receive
we would always fear
he had been our darling dear
now no longer here
was a detection
idiotic insurrection
we need protection
instead of on trial
he has gone into exile
records would compile
(up money would pile)
(always would beguile)
(on small hands nails file)
(surely was his style)
there is a store in a strip mall
Many people are waiting in line
Only four people allowed inside
This store specializes in chocolates
There are many flavours to choose
You can not pick the chocolates
Instead ou point to what you want
Then the lady puts it into the bag
All you do is point to your option
A decision of twenty dollars bagged
Or you could do thirty dollars bagged
There will be a sample chocolate to try
So next time you could add it to your list
I always enjoy a Lindlt chocolate
they have been around since 1841
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