Sunday, December 11, 2022

Life's Journey

Together they had forged a life –

Raised three children as best they could –

The years had times of woe and strife

But all in all, most times were good.


Now his sight has dimmed, but his love has not

And he felt their life would start anew

And he went to bed with this comforting thought

But awoke to a future gone askew.


His lifelong mate had been struck down

There wasn't the least forewarning clue

She's in a hospital far from town

And there is nothing now that he can do.


Their old life has now been lost

Their home is but an empty shelf

He too rests his head

On a hospital bed

Praying that soon she will be well.


In moments of fancy he's driving a ball

Onto a beloved golf course green

In her fanciful moments she's standing tall

And painting a lovely verdant scene. 


Their world once traveled in single orbit

Now double ..., Hope asks for overlaps

With all that they have had to forfeit

Fate answers softly "perhaps, perhaps ..."


2003

(from the book Discoveries In The Dark by Doris Potter)

© Doris Potter

5 comments:

  1. Aw. I know these people — and you too.

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    1. Yes, Mum talked of you often and I'm sure Dad knew you as well but he was always so busy with work. I'm glad they had a long, happy retirement out west.

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  2. messymimi wrote: "You make me feel their hope and pain." Thank you messymimi.

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  3. We must live in the present moment for we know not what the future holds. Thankfully they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary while being together in the same nursing home room.

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