to neglect

he sat alone in the cold mornings quiet
yet to be troubled
with the trials of the day.
his face, as worn as 
the ripples on a lake
he sat while life 
taxied the lake before him
perhaps he sat 
in reflection of a life 
that did not spare him
from its trials
it seems he still 
had yet to make peace 
with this world as 
he warmed the cold bench alone
-I was drawn to his complacency-
his gaze fixed upon the young in hurried laughter 
and in the blessed ignorance of youth as he watched 
and smiled.
-I was drawn to his joy-
young lovers eagerly occupied 
the bench nearest his wooed 
in fervor'd caresses 
a benefit only to them
his gaze, now rendered despondent 
-I was drawn to his heartache-
he now fixed upon a man who scolded children whom played 
too close to the lake
tutored well, the old man solemnly nodded in approval.
-I was drawn to his regret-
he sat alone, in reverie while the bench nearest his 
replaced the lovers in fervor,
now warned passive as two aged lovers held hand in hand.
the lake fell silent
the air--still
a lonely mistress 
fed eager pigeons
he raised his hand to shield tears that seemingly 
startled his view
he fumbled with his neckerchief to rescue the felled tears
-I was drawn to his sadness-
the old man, trodden'd with memories of his years 
in ignorance of youth and love--of loss and regret,  
accompanied him as he sat alone.
I wondered of all this now when I learned today 
of his departure from this world.
maybe then, he had no one left to sit with him.
I too, sit alone
in the cold morning's quiet
I sit, where he sat.
having only to mind my tea 
my mug--still steaming 
warmed my hands.
I wondered if he would have also enjoyed a cup.

- Sandy Marie 

Comments

[Chicago Limo Rental]

Very nice poem.. I like it so much!