Day: October 1, 2024

 
There are days I still can feel
the breeze of youth gently stir my soul
days remembered of grace and lightness
when faith in truth sparked splendid dreams

those days
of new found friends
of us

when all we touched was fresh and new
and the world was full of wonder

when we were certain we’d all live forever
our strength made each day a great adventure

those carefree days

the days we witnessed one for the other
as we made vows to our chosen life mates

we raised our children

we grew our careers
or our skills and artistry
our avocations

our families close
through these growth years
years of challenge
and sadly — those times of tears
but too — there were days of joy

steadfast dedication

but not these days

I’ve grown unyielding
rigidly braced
against the winds of time and fate

my soul is rooted too deep
in life’s demands
in it’s obstacles

I search its blessings
curse its burdens

these brittle days

I am bent by the yoke of worry
staggered by the blows of disease
heavy with the weight of loss

I am haunted by the ghost of memory
haunted by regret
the lonely days
when I reflect on these
set upon by another challenge
or another loss
brought even to my knees

these empty days

how can this void be filled
when ones so vital have departed
gone on one by one
we’re left brokenhearted

but not filled with strife
I still feel their life

this world was denied much wit and wisdom
kindness and love lost
when each, you passed

how can this void be filled
when ones so rich in these
are gone
gone so far beyond

ones who understood the need for giving
in a careless world
darkened by greed
that’s lost the soul of living

under attack by brutal lies
of deadly pandemic
when innocence dies

you
of tender hearts
truly unselfish
whose warm embrace included all
devastated by our fall

how can this void be filled
when such brilliant lights
have been snuffed out

I will not forget

I will remember you all
as long as I am able
I will remember all those days
that is how I will fill this void
keep focus on tomorrow

with the seeds of friendship
you each planted deep inside my heart
now filled with sorrow

may they grow to make me gentler
and me — the world a better place

good-bye my friends

ever will I tend these seeds
and think of you

I will not forget
I will never forget

*
rob kistner © 2024

More poetry at: dVerse