Two Poems
This is where we say goodbye.
The long hospital corridor.
The nil-by-mouth.
This is where it ends.
The airport, doorstep, doctor’s waiting room,
the recruitment interview;
the passing out parade.
Going, going, gone, the clocks repeat,
already imagining a distance.
This is where
something stays shut inside.
This is where.
My father says
that one day soon
he will go for the long sleep.
He’s eighty four, he can’t go forever,
and he gets tired of it all he says;
all the visits to doctors
and his teeth dropping out.
My father says his leg aches
where he fell downstairs and tore the ligament,
after a party at the local pub,
when he played his concertina.
My father says the world isn’t what it was in his day
It’s spoiled, we’ve buggered it up
beyond repair.
My father says
we’ll be better off without him,
when he is pushing up daisies.
Then he dons his panama and goes out
into the garden to plant new flowers
where the rabbits have eaten them away,
mow the two acre lawn and write
a letter to his friend
about the history of the tango.
My father says that one day soon
he will go for the long sleep,
but not today, and not tomorrow
while there are things to do,
but maybe the day after
or the day after that.
I’m delighted that these poems have found an audience!
Thank you, Poetry Kit.
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Very nice poems, the first one is my favorite, it reminds me that I don’t like to say goodbye.
Both the poems are very heart-touching. The first one really adhered me to the incident when I said goodbye to my family members, when I went to read in a different state to read. That moment was very emotional.
Yeah it has gotten more than enough audience because it really captivating to read. Thanks to the poet that put this out
Both poems are using the Free Verse style and that is rare for a poem. I love both poems but my pick would be poem about fathers. I am not a father at least yet. To me being a dad is a huge job and very rewarding at that. This is my goal and I am proud of it.
The last one touches my heart. It’s about how we treasure the present moments with our fathers, showing them how we love them while we still can.
Wow, I love but poems, if we never say goodbye, we cant say welcome some day. Lovely peoms from the masters table
Your father saying the world isn’t what it was before aren’t telling lies. Thos world has really change and time it passing, when are we getting out of this shit?
Thank you so much for your comments. They mean a lot. I’ll be posting some more of my poems on the blog and I have some copies of my pamphlet UNACCOUNTED FOR to give away free if anyone sends me a stamped addressed envelope.
Great poem, it reminds me of father whom I lost a few years ago. Up until now, I am not yet willing to let go.
What a heart warming poems for all to enjoy. Goodbye and welcome are two word that works hand to hand. Thanks for this good poema.
This is a heart-breaking poem. They said there are no goodbyes but just a “see you again.”