Shine On
~
old man gazes out his window
uncertain how long it’s rained
alone by the fire he questions
were his losses worth what he gained
memories like christmas candles flicker
of loved ones — sadly gone
entwined warmly in his heartstrings
thankful they still shine on
~ ~ ~
rob kistner © 2019
Excellent quadrille, brother. Your illustration could be a prompt by itself. Being alone, late in life can be heartbreaking. With our health issues, you and I are so lucky to have loving family around us.
Thank you Glenn, and yes, we are lucky to be in the circle of love.
I fear a day when I’m left alone…. the fear of being the last is what we all have I think.
May there be many good memories to live in.
Definitely not something I’d wish for you Björn.
Oh my how beautiful. I too am so blessed to be surrounded by love, even the love of those long gone whose memories live on in our hearts.
Thank you JP!
This is an absolutely beautiful post. The title and the last stanza to me are the ones that I connect with. Health issues happen as we age…as Glenn alludes to. May we all be thankful for every day….and the wonderful Christmas memories we have…and the new ones we shall make for ourselves and our families.
You are most kind Lillian, and thank you. 🙂
I like the shining on of those memories like Christmas candles.
I am pleased that this piece resonated Frank!
I’m so pleased to see you here, Rob!
This is a lovely, poignant poem. I agree with what Glenn said about the illustration and about being alone. My mom has said several times that all of her friends are dead–of course her parents are long gone, and her brother, her only sibling, is dead, too. I’m happy that for the old man, the memories of loved ones shine on.
Thank you Merril. I will write until I can’t any longer. It keeps my brain working and helps make my depression a bit more manageable. I get out of the hospital this afternoon 1:00 PM Seattle time. I fatigue very quickly now, so visiting all the poet’s sites regularly as I used to do has become a challenge — but I will do my best.
I’m sorry you were in the hospital. I’m happy you’re now out. Please take it easy, Rob.