Old man gazes out his window
uncertain just how long it’s rained
alone in the twilight he has questions
were his losses worth all that he gained
memories like a dying candle’s flicker
thoughts of his loved ones — sadly gone
entwined bittersweetly in his heartstrings
a thankfulness for those that still shine on
*
rob kistner © 2022
Poetry at: The Sunday Muse
It is a somber thought that truly makes you think, and remember to be thankful for those still with us. This holds a lovely message my friend!
Yes Carrie, and thank you!
Change the words to “old woman” and they fit me perfectly, gazing at those who still “shine on” as they dog-walk past my window!
Bless you Bev! I hear you my friend… 🙂
Is a loss ever worth the gain … fascinating to ponder that thought. Well done, my friend.
This is how we go through life. Always decisions weighing the give and take, the win and lose, the need and sacrafice, the yin and yang. My adoptive father had only an 8th grade education, but he was one of the wisest people I have ever to encounter in my life. Everything costs something, no free lunch. But he shared an insight I still embrace. He said, in life you must always be someplace, so before you decide to make a move, be certain that where you’re going to be, is the best place you can be, and that must include the “cost” of the journey. I have grown to understand the depth and width of the term “cost” as he was usin it. Even staying put and doing nothing has a “cost”. You have to learn what that cost is, and if you are willing to accept that cost.
A simple amen to everything you shared.
🙂
Reflections of losses and gains – do they ever balance out in the end. I wonder, our choices take us down pathways and we don’t always know where that will go. The big “what if” of life.
There is also a sense of gratitude for life and those that are still here in this realm.
Happy Sunday my friend!
Shine on
Happy Sunday to you True!
I love – and share – that thankfulness for those who still shine on. Lovely, Rob.
Thank you Sherry… 🙂
Powerful.
Thank you Chrissa! 🙂
Eternal questions in this one.
Yes JR, impossible to answer.
Your existential musings go to places I don’t like to dwell in too much. Very happy you still have bright and shining people who love you in your world.
I was thinking about this as I wrote “Flickers”. Of the maybe 20 adults I considered “real friends”, developed over the past 50 years Lisa, through music, art shows, the home theater industry, and Lucasfilm Ltd. — only two, that I know of, remain… and one, who I was on the phone with yesterday, is dependent on a Hoyer Lift and a personal aid, for daily life. So not many “bright and shiny” left in my life. Thankful for my sparkling surviving family, especially my beautiful and very bright grandson Alex. 🙂 🙂
Rob, I hear you and can relate to the passing of good friendships. Not sure what I would do without my sons.
You would hold a sadness forever Lisa. It is unnatural for children to go before the parents — and the human spirit feels that profoundly, believe me.
A wonderful message for anyone, Rob. Recently I have been more depressed than ever, focusing on those who are gone. But yes, we have to be thankful and enjoy those we still have with us.
This journey of life is one of attrition, reflection, and remembrance Sara.
Right on target.
Going to put a link on my blog, to read it over and over,
as it moves me deeply.
Was talking with one of the veterans last november and I wish I would have been able to give him this poem to show him he’s not alone.
I zm pleased it resonates for you Syl. Wonderful! 🙂
“entwined bittersweetly in his heartstrings
a thankfulness for those that still shine on”
really like those last lines, the thankfulness, i’ve lost a few bright flames in my life, and just greatfull that i got to know them at all. very well said
Thank you Phillip. I appreciate your kind words. 🙂